image from mobilwi.typepad.com[Photo: Daily Collegian]

Joe Amendola strikes again.

Jerry Sandusky waived his right to a preliminary hearing this morning. It’s a move that surprised most folks covering the event, judging by the reactions on Twitter.

CNN described the scene thusly:

After Magistrate Judge Robert Scott asked Sandusky if he understood he was waiving certain rights, the former coach said yes, and the courtroom erupted in conversation and laughter. The judge admonished the crowd, and Sandusky and his attorney, Joe Amendola, left shortly afterward.

 

After leaving the courthouse, Sandusky told reporters that he is “looking forward to presenting [his] side.” He also said he intends to fight, “but today wasn’t the right day,” according to Patriot News reporter Sara Ganim (translation: I don’t have a defense).

Justin Pizzi of NBC 10 Tweets that legal experts expect Sandusky to look for a plea deal, but others say that the prosecution doesn’t have the same thoughts.

Sandusky's arraignment will now be on January 11, 2012. I’m sure the hundreds of media members who flocked to central PA today are thrilled with this development. 

UPDATE: He also waived his arraignment. Will go straight to trial.

[Related: Sandusky was unofficially coaching Juniata College in 2010]