Judge Rules Against Allowing Rod Blagojevich To Participate In Reality TV Show

A federal judge denied permission to disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich to travel to Costa Rica to participate in NBC's reality TV show, "I'm a Celebrity ... Get me Out of Here!"

Calling it a "bad idea" to modify the terms of Blagojevich's bail on political corruption charge, U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel ruled against Blagojevich's request, citing the seriousness of the charges and the potential for a flight risk.

Despite Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky's insistence that the show's producer NBC was willing to pay for two security guards to watch Blagjojevich, Zagel said such "personal monitors would have no authority to arrest him," and that Blagojevich needed to stick around to read the government's evidence in order to understand the gravity of the situation.

While Zagel did say he was sympathetic to Blagojevich's financial condition, he also told the governor there were "other ways for him to earn money."

Blagojevich is also seeking court approval to use more than $2 million in his campaign fund to pay for his legal expenses. Zagel encouraged his attorneys to file a motion on the subject, and a hearing on that issue was set for May 1.

Outside court, after the hearing, Blagojevich told reporters: "This is another day in the big city. I know what the truth is when it concerns me, and I know that I've done absolutely nothing wrong... I'm actually looking forward to this day in court... I want to prove my innocence, I want to vindicate myself."