Daniel Acker Interview

UPDATE, February 5, 2010: Ex-swim coach sentenced to 20 years on sex abuse charge
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Daniel Acker gave an interview to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

It seems he was looking for an opportunity to sway public opinion and convince people that he's made some mistakes but he really isn't a bad guy.

Daniel Acker, the 61-year-old swim coach at the center of child sexual abuse allegations that date back 30 years or more, said in an exclusive interview Sunday at the Milwaukee County Jail that he's made "poor choices" but denied having sexual relations with any boys.

Acker, a longtime swim coach for the West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation Department, said he's struggled with loneliness and self-doubt over the years and sought solace in children who were more accepting of him, something he's felt uncomfortable discussing for decades.

Acker declined to address specifics about the allegations that a range of men brought against him. He said only that he had "made mistakes in the past."

...Acker said he had requested that Milwaukee County provide him with a psychiatrist and/or psychologist for a mental evaluation. He said he wanted the expert to identify his "weaknesses."

He said: "I'm disappointed in my weaknesses and in not addressing them. I should have sought help, but I was too ashamed to do so."

Asked to elaborate about those weaknesses, Acker said the matter was complicated.

"Maybe I was trying to seek solace in the least critical or ridiculing circumstances," he said during a 30-minute conversation. "I am not a predator."

Acker appeared in court for the first time Saturday and agreed to not contact the 19-year-old. Police and Acker's temporary public defender said Acker confessed to having sexual contact with the man.

Acker presented himself slightly differently Sunday. Through the jail's two-way video and telephone system, he said he "wasn't out there preying on anybody."

Acker is definitely trying to present a different image of himself than the one being presented by the media.

His "I am not a predator" line has the ring of Nixon's "I am not a crook."

In the interview, Acker really plays up the victim angle.

He said that he lacked confidence as a child, and that learning to swim gave him a sense of empowerment. As an adult, he said, teaching the sport mostly to children made him feel as though he was passing on a critical life skill that could keep them safe.

"I'm better in the water than I am on land," Acker said.

Aw shucks. How can you not feel sorry for the guy?

...He said he's been on a "teeter-totter" between different sexual orientations for years. He said that at least one parent was emotionally or physically abusive, and that alcohol and drug abuse was also a factor in the home, but he didn't elaborate.

Acker added that he didn't blame his family for anything. He also asked for the media's respect in keeping his family out of the spotlight.

Acker claims he was physically and emotionally abused by a parent, and there was substance abuse in his home.

Cue the tiny violin.

...Earlier in the interview, he said this about teaching swimming and working with children: "I love what I did. I did it right."

If he could address all those who are part of the allegations against him, Acker said, he would tell them that he cared for them, and that he hoped they can live good and happy lives.

I'm not sure that Acker should be doing any interviews.

I'm not sure that as Acker sits in jail the Journal Sentinel should be delivering a message from him to his accusers.

"[H]e would tell them that he cared for them, and that he hoped they can live good and happy lives."

Yuck.
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Read the criminal complaint