I Am Innocent': Sandusky Tells Bob Costas 'I Shouldn't Have Showered With Those Kids' (Updated With Audio)

AP:

NEW YORK  — Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky is telling NBC that he is innocent of child sex abuse charges that shocked the sports world and resulted in the firing of coach Joe Paterno.

In a telephone interview with Bob Costas for NBC News' "Rock Center," airing Monday night, Sandusky also denies accusations that he is a pedophile.

Sandusky, who founded a charity for disadvantaged youth, acknowledges that he showered with some boys after workouts and shouldn't have done so.

Paterno was fired last Wednesday for failing to do enough about a 2002 report alleging that Sandusky raped a young boy in the Penn State football showers.

The Associated Press has made several efforts to reach Sandusky by phone and through his attorney, but messages haven't been returned.

NBC News:

DEVELOPING: Former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky admitted to showering and horsing around with young boys but said he is not a pedophile in an exclusive interview with Bob Costas for NBC News' Rock Center airing tonight at 10 pm/9 CT.

"I say that I am innocent of those charges," said Sandusky in a phone interview with Costas.

When asked by Costas, "Are you a pedophile," Sandusky responded "No."

Joe Paterno’s one time defensive coordinator was charged earlier this month with 40 counts of sexually abusing eight boys. He is currently free on a $100,000 bond and has denied any wrongdoing. The allegations date back to 1994, according to a grand jury report. A grand jury report detailed claims of alleged sexual encounters with young boys in Sandusky's home, hotels and Penn State locker rooms.

"I could say that I have done some of those things. I have horsed around with kids I have showered after workouts. I have hugged them and I have touched their legs without intent of sexual contact," said Sandusky.

When pressed by Costas about what Sandusky was willing to concede that he'd done was wrong, Sandusky said, "I shouldn't have showered with those kids."