article_snippet.sent: Robert Bates -- the Tulsa County, Oklahoma, reserve sheriff's deputy accused of manslaughter in the death of a fleeing suspect -- told NBC's "Today" show Friday that " Robert Bates used to think that, too.
article_snippet.sent: But the orders apparently started years ago, "back when (" Robert Bates was trying to get on as a deputy," reporter Ziva Branstetter told CNN's "New Day.
article_snippet.sent: " " Robert Bates has donated equipment to the department and was also a donor to Sheriff Stanley Glanz's re-election campaign, leading to allegations " Robert Bates had essentially paid to be a cop.
article_snippet.sent: Robert Bates rejected that claim in the "Today" interview as "unbelievably unfair.
article_snippet.sent: " " Robert Bates attorney, Clark Brewster, also has rejected the allegations of poor training or forgery as unfounded.
article_snippet.sent: Robert Bates appeared on the "Today" show with " Robert Bates wife, two daughters and " Brewster. "
article_snippet.sent: Robert Bates seemed composed but said " Robert Bates was still might be in shock over what had happened.
article_snippet.sent: Robert Bates said " Robert Bates had participated in "several hundred" such operations but always in a backup role where " Robert Bates would come in and "clean up" after deputies, taking photos and notes.
article_snippet.sent: " Robert Bates is heard emotionally saying on video of the incident.
article_snippet.sent: Robert Bates apologized to Harris' family, who have rejected allegations " Robert Bates was violent and on drugs.
article_snippet.sent: "I rate this as No. 1 on my list of things in my life that I regret," said Bates, who is free on $25,000 bail.