Attorneys give failing grade to Sandusky for NBC interview
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Facing 40 criminal counts and an onslaught of negative publicity about the child sexual abuse charges against him, former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky did a nationally televised interview Monday night with Bob Costas on NBC's "Rock Center," in which he declared his innocence.
Lawyers and public image experts say that trying to turn the tide of opinion by talking publicly is a risky proposition, and all those interviewed agreed that Mr. Sandusky's performance almost certainly made things worse for him.
Particularly troubling, they said, was the lengthy pause Mr. Sandusky took before answering the question, "Are you sexually attracted to young boys, underage boys?"
First, Mr. Sandusky hesitated, then repeated the question: "Am I sexually attracted to underage boys?"
"Yes," Mr. Costas answered.
"Sexually attracted, you know, I enjoy young people. I love to be around them. But no, I'm not sexually attracted to young boys."
It took seven seconds before Mr. Sandusky said the word, "no."
"It really screamed out for a 'No,' and a very emphatic, 'No,' " said Glenn Selig, an image consultant based out of Tampa, Fla. "He didn't seem very passionate about his answers, and there were hesitations that could be problematic."
Robert Del Greco, a prominent Pittsburgh attorney who has represented a number of professional athletes, agreed that Mr. Sandusky's answer was lacking.
"I think it was inartfully and ineloquently answered," he said. "I think you ought to be prepared to categorically and emphatically address it. Forcefully."
Both men said it appeared Mr. Sandusky was not well prepared for the interview.
"It seemed like he wasn't even able to convince himself," said Mr. Selig, who represents former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "There were areas, at the very least, where he wasn't very steadfast in his denial."
Mr. Del Greco agreed.
"My sense is he did not convey the thought and concept he was trying to convey -- that he is not a pedophile," Mr. Del Greco said. "He almost seemed to be hedging."
First Published November 16, 2011 12:00 am
