Accusers in the sex-abuse case against former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky will not likely face their alleged abuser until the trial begins.

Fox News reports that the embattled former coach chose not to have the accusers make their claims during a preliminary hearing on Tuesday before a packed courtroom. But Sandusky's lawyer took his client's case to the courthouse steps and attacked the credibility of the alleged victims and witnesses.

Fox News reports:

"There will be no plea negotiations," defense lawyer Joseph Amendola said. "This is a fight to the death."

Waiving such a preliminary hearing is not unusual but it was unexpected in this case: Amendola repeatedly had said his client was looking forward to facing his accusers. Afterward, he called the cancellation a "tactical decision" to prevent the men from reiterating the same claims they made to the grand jury. 

Lawyers for the alleged victims said some were relieved they would not have to make their claims in public before a trial, but others said they had steeled themselves to face Sandusky and were left disappointed.

"It would have been apparent from watching those boys and their demeanor that they were telling the truth," said Howard Janet, a lawyer for a boy whose mother contacted police in 1998 after her son allegedly showered with Sandusky.

Sandusky has denied the allegations, which led to the departures of longtime Penn State football coach Joe Paterno and the university president. He is charged with more than 50 counts that accuse him of sexually abusing 10 boys over the span of 12 years.

Amendola said he believed some of the young men may have trumped up their claims and that others may came forward in a bid to make money by suing Sandusky, Penn State and the charity Sandusky founded.

"We're pursuing a financial motivation," Amendola said, "Finances and money are great motivators."

Michael Boni, a lawyer representing an accuser known as Victim 1, said Amendola was "reaching into his bag of tricks."

In the face of such charges, anyone would have to come out swinging. At the same time, some of these young men are clamoring to be heard. A courtroom is a good place for them to give their accounts.

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