Jerry Sandusky former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky opted against a preliminary hearing in his molestation case. This spares his accusers from making their claims in a courtroom Tuesday. Sandusky’s decision to waive the hearing is not unusual in Pennsylvania though it was unexpected.

At these hearings prosecutors must show they have probable cause to bring the case to trial. Sandusky has denied all the allegations made against him and his charges led to the firing of longtime coach Joe Paterno and the University President. Sandusky is charged with more than 50 counts of sexually abusing 10 boys over a period of 12 years.

Sandusky stated that he would stay the course and fight for four quarters and wait for the opportunity to present his side. Sandusky’s lawyer, Joseph Amendola said that the decision to waive the hearing was a tactical measure to head off a repeat of the child sexual abuse allegations. According to Amendola the decision had nothing to do with cowardice or gamesmanship.

Sandusky entered through the backdoor of the courthouse on Tuesday morning with his wife Dottie by his side.