Bellefonte, PA – A statement from former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky surfaced Monday night, just a day before he was set to be sentenced on his conviction of child sexual abuse.
In an audiotape obtained by Penn State ComRadio and published by the Centre Daily Times, Sandusky continues to proclaim his innocence in a statement that lasts about four minutes.
"They could take away my life, they could make me out as a monster, they could treat me as a monster, but they can't take away my heart," Sandusky says on the tape. "In my heart, I know I did not do these alleged disgusting acts."
Sandusky was found guilty in June on 45 counts charging him with sexual abuse of 10 boys over a 15-year period.
"My wife has been my only sex partner, and that was after marriage," Sandusky continued. "Our love continues. A young man who was dramatic, a veteran accuser, and always sought attention, started everything. He was joined by a well-orchestrated effort of the media, investigators, the system, Penn State, psychologists, civil attorneys and other accusers. They won."
Sandusky, on the tape, vows to continue his fight.
"We will continue to fight," he added. "We didn't lose the proven facts, evidence, accurate locations and times. Anything can be said. We lost to speculation and stories that were influenced by people who wanted to convict me. We must fight unfairness and consistency and dishonesty."
The scandal, which broke last November with Sandusky's arrest, brought down the Penn State football program, tarnished the legacy of the late Joe Paterno and scarred the entire university.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.