Jerry Sandusky faces two new claims of child sexual abuse

Jerry Sandusky’s lawyer told the Associated Press on Wednesday that the former Penn State football defensive coordinator faces two new claims of child sexual abuse, but that both are unfounded.

Attorney Joseph Amendola said one claim stemmed from a Sandusky family dispute. He characterized the other as an example of people trying to mimic other allegations and “jump on the bandwagon.”

“That doesn’t surprise me because we believe there would be a number of copycat allegations, people who really maybe not even had direct contact with Jerry but [are now on board] to try to jump on the bandwagon,” Amendola said.

He said the accusations, should they result in charges, would be vigorously contended.

Sandusky is charged with sexually abusing eight boys over a 15-year period. He has said he showered with some boys but never sexually abused them.

The Patriot-News of Harrisburg has reported that the new claims were brought within the last two months. Charges have not been filed.

“We’ll defend those if and when they become charges,” Amendola said. “We’ll defend those just like we’re defending the other charges.”

Authorities say some of the abuse occurred on campus, allegations that were not immediately brought to the attention of authorities even though high-level people at Penn State apparently knew about them.

The scandal has resulted in the ousting of school President Graham Spanier and longtime coach Joe Paterno, and has brought shame to one of college football’s legendary programs. Athletic Director Tim Curley was put on administrative leave, and Gary Schultz, a vice president who was in charge of the university’s police department, stepped down.

Schultz and Curley are charged with lying to the grand jury and failure to report to police, and Sandusky is charged with child sex abuse. All maintain their innocence. Sandusky was charged Nov. 5 following a state grand jury investigation that remains ongoing.

A central New York district attorney accused police officials of criminally leaking a document in the sexual abuse investigation of Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine.

In a news conference Wednesday, prosecutor William Fitzpatrick accused Syracuse police Chief Frank Fowler and Deputy Chief Sean Broton of leaking a witness affidavit to embarrass the district attorney’s office. At issue is the handling in 2002 of Syracuse ball boy Bobby Davis’ initial claims that Fine molested him. Fine says the charge is false.

ETC.

Ferrer advances to ATP semifinals

David Ferrer’s relentless hitting proved too much for Novak Djokovic, giving the Spaniard a 6-3, 6-1 victory and a spot in the semifinals of the ATP World Tour Finals at London.

Djokovic lost for only the fifth time in a season in which he has won three Grand Slam championships and 10 titles overall. He can still advance to the semifinals if he beats Janko Tipsarevic on Friday.

Tomas Berdych earlier saved a match point en route to a 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory over Tipsarevic, maintaining his hopes of reaching the last four.

===

Arsenal clinched a spot in the next round of the Champions League with a 2-1 win against Borussia Dortmund, but the Gunners could find themselves the only English club in the knockout rounds.

A day after Manchester United and Manchester City both missed the chance to qualify, Chelsea conceded a last-minute goal in a 2-1 loss at Bayer Leverkusen and faces the risk of missing out on the last 16 for the first time since the 2002-03 season.

Leverkusen advanced alongside APOEL, which tied, 0-0, at Zenit St. Petersburg and became the first Cypriot side to make it past the group stage.

Elsewhere, AC Milan twice equalized but Spain playmaker Xavi Hernandez scored in the 63rd minute, giving defending champion Barcelona a 3-2 win and the top spot in its group.

===

The Montreal Impact made Houston forward Brian Ching the first pick in the MLSr expansion draft, even though he has threatened to retire if he has to leave the Dynamo. The Impact will become the league’s 19th team next season and selected 10 players Wednesday from 272 left unprotected.

Montreal also took Chivas USA defender Zarek Valentin, Philadelphia midfielder Justin Mapp, San Jose defender Bobby Burling, Vancouver midfielder Jeb Brovsky, Real Salt Lake midfielder Collen Warner, Columbus defender Josh Gardner, Colorado midfielder Sanna Nyassi, Seattle defender James Riley and Kansas City defender Seth Sinovic.

Riley then was traded to Chivas USA for forward Justin Braun and midfielder Gerson Mayen.

===

The Kansas City Royals agreed to a $9-million, two-year contract with left-hander Bruce Chen, solidifying their starting rotation heading into next season, a person faimiliar with the deal told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the deal.

Chen will make $4.5 million each of the next two seasons. He can earn an additional $500,000 per year in roster bonuses and $1 million a season in performance bonuses.

Chen, 34, has blossomed during the second half of his 13-year career, which has included stops with 10 clubs. He was 12-7 with a 4.17 earned-run average two years ago and backed that up by going 12-8 with a 3.77 ERA last year, leading the Royals in wins.

===

The Milwaukee Brewers offered salary arbitration to Prince Fielder and right-handed reliever Francisco Rodriguez while declining to offer arbitration to shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt. By offering arbitration to Fielder and Rodriguez, the Brewers are eligible to receive compensatory draft picks if the players reject the offer and sign with other teams. … The San Diego Padres offered salary arbitration to All-Star closer Heath Bell and right-hander Aaron Harang. … The Oakland Athletics offered salary arbitration to free-agent outfielders Josh Willingham and David DeJesus.