Sandusky lawyers tried to quit during jury selection - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Sandusky lawyers tried to quit during jury selection

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BELLEFONTE, P.A. -

It appeared Sunday that the bond between convicted child abuser and former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky and his attorney Joe Amendola may not have been as close as was believed -- with their union almost not making it to trial.

Amendola and his co-counsel-Karl Rominger both asked to resign from the case just as jury selection began, myFOXphilly.com reported.

Their motion was denied by the judge. Last Friday, Amendola said in an interview following the verdict that he felt he had developed a friendly bond with Sandusky.

The two argued time and time again-they did not have enough time to prepare for the case. Another issue centered around a scheduling conflict with a defense team member and the need to read documents from the grand jury investigation.

In a shocking statement before the verdict Friday, Amendola said he would "die of a heart attack" if his client were acquitted of all charges.

"That's just crazy," said Douglas Burns, a defense lawyer with 26 years in the courtroom. "A lawyer has got to keep his cards close to his vest and not make comments like that."

Hours after the football coach's conviction on 45 counts of child sexual abuse, Amendola praised the prosecution for handling the case in an "exemplary manner" and said he didn't "have any problem with the jury's verdict."

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