Jerry Sandusky Stammers Through Question From Bob Costas: ‘Are You Sexually Attracted to Young Boys?’ (Video)

There is very little most of us in this world can say for certain. Still, there are certain questions that shouldn’t take 26 words and 20 stammering seconds to answer.

One of those questions: Are you sexually attracted to underage boys?

There is really only one suitable response to this question — a definitive, categorical “no” — but former Penn State football assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, who is accused of 40 counts of sexual abuse against minors, had a tough time with that question from NBC’s Bob Costas in an interview Tuesday night.

The exchange went as follows:

Costas: “Are you sexually attracted to young boys, to underage boys?”

Sandusky: “Am I sexually attracted to underage boys?”

Costas: “Yes.”

Sandusky (after a two-second pause): “Sexually attracted? You know, I enjoy young people. I love to be around them. I… but no, I’m not sexually attracted to them, to young boys.”

For those of you keeping score at home, it took Sandusky 17 words to get to the “no” part. He managed to mention that he enjoys “young people” and loves “to be around them,” which are things not even his harshest critics contest.

Until Sandusky is convicted, the claims against him are only allegations. But it’s difficult to understand how anyone could struggle with such a straightforward question.

The full video of the interview is below. Scroll to the 7:15 mark to hear Costas’ question and Sandusky’s answer.