Dave Johnson has had almost an entire day for it to sink in.
A federal judge has thrown out all criminal charges against him and his former colleague, Tom Welch.
The hell that he's lived with for the past three years might finally be over.
And when asked about his feelings, his initial response is simple: "Things are getting better. It's getting better."
Johnson spoke candidly with the Deseret News today, describing his and his family's emotional turmoil since first being accused in November 1998 of bribing International Olympic Committee members and their families in Salt Lake City's bid to host the Winter Games.
"The thing that has been missing for the past three years is our side of the story, and because of the federal charges we haven't been able to present that," Johnson said.
Welch and Johnson have always maintained they simply did what was asked of them — bring the 2002 Winter Olympics to Salt Lake City.
"There was never, never a member of our board or our executive committee that said we shouldn't do what was required to get the Games for Salt Lake," he said.
Johnson corrected speculation that he is bitter about the ordeal, which cost him his job and, arguably, his reputation. Rather, he said, he feels betrayed from being dragged into what he terms "a political annihilation."
And the leader of the coup against the former president and vice president of the Salt Lake Bid Committee, according to Johnson?
Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt.
Johnson contends Leavitt played a key role in the conclusions reached in a SLOC ethics panel investigation into the scandal.
Billed as an independent committee of community members, Johnson said the ethics panel consulted with Leavitt, often at the governor's home, before issuing its final report. Prior to the committee's report, Johnson said, Leavitt hosted meetings in his office with top staffers and Salt Lake Olympic officials.
"They were making decisions as to who was going to go from the organizing committee, who they were going to blame for this," Johnson said. "And they were selective, and they were malicious."
But Leavitt said today those meetings were attended by 10 to 12 people, all SLOC trustees, trying to "deal with that crisis."
"His characterization is simply not true," Leavitt said. "I understand, it is clear that Dave is feeling misunderstood. I'm pleased this is over for he and his family. I'm really looking forward for them to move forward, to bring normalcy to his family."
Johnson maintains he and Welch were selected as scapegoats because they were "easy targets."
"We had no one to protect us," he said.
Upon hearing of Sam's dismissal Thursday, Leavitt told the Deseret News he considers his actions in dealing with the Olympic scandal one of his brightest moments in office. The governor has steadfastly maintained that he did not know of gifts and favors going from the Salt Lake Bid Committee to IOC members and their families.
Johnson didn't take kindly to Leavitt's remarks.
"I think his comments yesterday were disgusting. To see his big smiling face after what he's said about us is repulsive and truly says what a pathetic politician he is.
"Then he has the gall to say this is his finest moment. How could destroying two people be a fine moment in anyone's life?"
In his defense, Leavitt said, "This has not been anyone's finest moment, and I've not said as much. I just feel good about the leadership I've given."
Johnson still protects the specific details of his and Welch's defense, should the Department of Justice choose to appeal Sam's decision and the case ever go to trial.
But when the time comes, he said, the truth will be told.
"I'm optimistic that the truth will come out. I think a lot of it has come out in bits and pieces, but I don't think anyone has put the whole thing together as a chronology of events and activities," he said.
And when it does, Johnson said, he will be able to hold his head high.
Leavitt, he said, will not be able to do the same.
"I'm much more at peace with our actions than he should be with what he's done. When people came to us and asked what happened during the bidding process, whether it was the International Olympic Committee or whether it was the ethics committee, we've been candid and honest.
"We've told them what took place, and I think that's a lot more than he can say. I think he's misled the community, and he did it intentionally. And I don't see how he can be at peace with himself with what he's done."
Leavitt also countered that criticism this morning.
"I am at peace with my actions. Part of the price of leadership is criticism, and I accept that. But I acted in a way to put the Games back on track," the governor said. "I brought Mitt Romney in and reorganized the Games in a way that produced a very positive outcome. Within 83 days we'll see a vision all of us have in hosting great Games."
Perhaps that's the only issue the two men agree on.
Johnson said he still supports the Winter Games and praises Olympic planners in areas such as fund-raising and venue preparation.
"We'll have a great Games. Salt Lake will have a great Games."
Johnson praised his wife of 14 years, KSL-TV anchor Kim Johnson, and his four children, ages 4 to 12, for their support throughout the difficult times.
"We've suffered. We've suffered. And it's been tough. We've had to reprioritize things in our life."
And even with all he's gone through the past three years, at least Johnson hasn't lost his sense of humor.
"I guess if the weather's bad," he said, "they can still blame us for that."
Contributing: Bob Bernick Jr.
E-MAIL: awelling@desnews.com