Hastert Star Wrestler Standing Behind Indicted Mentor
(CBS) – One of Dennis Hastert's champions is his first champion -- the first state wrestling champion in Yorkville, where Hastert was coach during alleged misconduct.
CBS 2's Brad Edwards reports on one man standing by the retired congressman and former U.S. Speaker of the House.
Gary Matlock appears on page 55 of Hastert's autobiography.
He says he was shocked to learn this week that Hastert was indicted for a series of bank transactions made to pay hush money to an acquaintance for past misconduct. Published reports Friday said the person being paid the money was a former student.
"I can't fathom that. I can't even comprehend that. And I have to sit back and do the math," Matlock tells Edwards.
Hastert's first star wrestler went on to wrestle at the University of Illinois and eventually become a teacher and wresting coach, just like his mentor.
Matlock says Hastert will always remain the biggest positive influence on his life, after his parents. He says that won't change no matter the outcome of the case.