Jerry Sandusky Video: Disgraced Former Penn State Coach Makes Statement

Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky addressed the media on Friday for the first time publicly.

Sandusky, alleged to have sexually abused numerous children throughout his time at Penn State, had his requests for "greater freedom of movement — and visits from his young grandchildren" taken under advisement by a judge, according to an Associated Press report.

Judge John Cleland set a tentative trial date of May 14, and is expected to rule soon on Sandusky's requests. Prosecutors argued that his home was not a safe place for children.

Addressing the concerns, Sandusky said that "our home has been open to people for 27 years, all kinds of people." He went on to say families had visited him for years, "and now all of a sudden they turn on me."

"It's difficult for me to understand," Sandusky said.

The details of the Penn State scandal, which allegedly took place over 15 years, have been lamented throughout the nation as one of the most horrific stories in sports, if not the most horrific. In 2002, receivers coach Mike McQueary allegedly witnessed Sandusky raping a 10-year-old boy in one of the school's locker rooms.

Sandusky, now 68 years old, is facing 52 criminal counts for alleged sexual misconduct involving boys over a span of 15 years.

He's done interviews with the media twice since being arrested in November, with one telephone interview with NBC's Bob Costas that garnered national attention.

Sandusky's arrest led to the dismissal of former head coach Joe Paterno and university president Graham Spanier. McQueary is no longer the receivers coach, former athletic director Tim Curley is currently on paid administrative leave and Gary Schultz resigned as senior vice president.