Judge Denies Blagojevich Request to Hear New Tapes

The federal judge who will sentence impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges had harsh words for one of the former governor's latest legal moves.

Blagojevich's attorneys filed a motion last week asking for permission to play tapes at the governor's sentencing hearing Dec. 6.

They say the tapes are necessary to show Blagojevich's lack of ill intent, an indication that Blagojevich is not likely to apologize for his crimes.

In denying the motion Zagel notes it was filed on Thanksgiving day. Zagel said the court was closed and this was not an emergency motion because there was no new evidence, the defense has been in possession of the tapes for many months.

Zagel noted that the defendant didn't even give the court the courtesy notice through email and writes that the practice is, "difficult to defend under any circumstances and made more so because of the nature of the motion."

Zagel said Blagojevich's attorneys didn't say what part of the calls they want to play. He said they're basically asking for his quote, "blind approval."

Blagojevich is set to be sentenced in 8 days.