This is from Jerry….I asked him to tell us something about himself, from the heart, so maybe others can see and hopefully understand the “real” Jerry Sandusky and not the monster that the media portrays him to be. People who, like myself, have never had the good fortune to have known Jerry before all this.

I am the same person I’ve always been. Never, have I claimed to be perfect, and I can’t do it now. I’ve made mistakes and have shortcomings. However, I am not “the monster” I’ve been portrayed to be, didn’t hurt the “alleged victims, and did not commit the heinous crimes I was accused of doing.

 I’ve been an intense competitor, not brilliant, but living my father’s words, ” If you choose to do something, do it all out.” With that in mind, I plan to find a way to fight those responsible for this “travesty of justice” for as long as possible. I dislike arrogance, deceit, dishonesty, disregard, selfishness, disrespect, and disloyalty. Always being somebody who looked for and believed in the “best” in people, I have been shocked and dismayed by what’s happened. With the hope I will have people believing in me and our cause, I will battle.

My life has been filled with love, laughter, and loyalty. I’ve been supported by people with courage commitment and caring. I have tried to live devoted to God, family, friends, football, and the Second Mile. I believe I have been disciplined, dedicated, and determined. It didn’t matter whether it was to win a national football championship, or to get a hydrocephalic foster child to take his bottle.

I became easily attached to people, places, things, and animals (especially dogs) — parents, wife, children, real friends. Those attachments impacted many of my decisions. A foster child influenced my decision to stay at Penn State and not become a head football coach. Second Mile kids did the same. I never wanted to leave my wonderful home in a recreation center that was run by my parents with a staff that included some welfare workers, physically and mentally handicapped, and others rejected by society. I watched them do it by making them feel significant, worthwhile, and a part of that place. They worked alongside them and had fun doing it. I’ve loved all those people and have tried to emulate what my parents did.

Now, I live with some people, who have little or no concern for my dignity or well-being. My purpose has become to endure: Embrace every day as a gift. Never surrender except to God. Don’t let your circumstances get the best of you. Understand God’s presence and purpose. Remain as positive as possible. Exercise your mind, body, and spirit. Jerry.