Last night while ABC aired its exclusive interview with Gabrielle Giffords, NBC's 'Rock Center' aired its own exclusive as Bob Costas talked to former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky and his attorney. Discussing allegations against him of sexual abuse dating back to 1994, Sandusky -- who has been charged on a 40-count indictment -- protested his innocence.

The interview made for uncomfortable viewing at times, with Sandusky admitting that he had, at least, made some highly questionable choices in his interaction with children. When Costas asked if he was "completely innocent and falsely accused in every aspect?" Sandusky replied "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 leg. Without," he added, "intent of sexual contact."

Watch the interview after the jump.

Sandusky denied any kind of sexual contact with young boys and explained away an accusation from graduate assistant coach Mike McQueary that he raped a 10 year-old boy in the shower as nothing but horseplay, saying that he and the boy were "maybe snapping a towel."

Meanwhile his attorney, Joseph Amendola, says he expects several alleged victims to now retract their accusations of abuse, including the victim in McQueary's allegations: "We have information that child says that never happened".

Sandusky told Costas that Penn State head coach Joe Paterno never spoke to him about his behavior, nor expressed disapproval of any kind. When asked how he feels about what's happened at Penn State, Sandusky said that while he doesn't feel culpable, he does "feel horrible. ... I've played a part in this."

He concluded, "I shouldn't have showered with those kids. That's what hits me the most."

Detailing the allegations against Sandusky, Costas said "If all of these accusations are false, you are the unluckiest, most persecuted man that any of us has ever heard about." He continued, "Millions of Americans ... now regard you not only as a criminal ... but also as a monster."



'Rock Center with Brian Williams' airs Mondays, 10PM ET on NBC.

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