CHICAGO – Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich embraced the public spotlight one last time Wednesday before reporting to prison, claiming he always believed what he did was legal and that he has faith the appeal of his corruption convictions will be successful.

The famously talkative Blagojevich seemed to relish the attention as he spoke to a throng of television cameras, reporters and well-wishers outside his Chicago home. In less than 24 hours, he was due to arrive at a Colorado prison to begin serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges, including that he tried to sell or trade an appointment to President Obama’s vacated Senate seat.

“We have great trust and faith in the appeal. And while my faith in things has sometimes been challenged, I still believe this is America, this is a country that is governed by the rule of law, that the truth ultimately will prevail,” the impeached governor said, as his wife stood by his side.

“As bad as it is, (this) is the beginning of another part of a long and hard journey that will only get worse before it gets better, but this is not over.”

Supporters chanted “free our governor” and “he’s not guilty,” and a banner that was hung over a railing on Blagojevich’s porch read: “Thanks Mr. Governor. We Will Pray.” After his statement, he signed autographs and chatted with supporters.

The 55-year-old father of two daughters appeared emotional at times.

Blagojevich said preparing to leave for prison is “the hardest thing I’ve ever done” and that he had difficulty even saying he was going to prison. But he also insisted that he always did what he thought was right for Illinois, saying he “actually helped real ordinary people” and listed what he believed were accomplishments as governor, including expanding health care for children and not raising taxes.

Although he apologized for his actions during his sentencing in December, saying he “caused it all” and was “just so incredibly sorry,” Blagojevich seemed less contrite on Wednesday.

Blagojevich was convicted of 18 criminal counts during two trials.

When he reports Thursday to the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in suburban Denver, he will become the second Illinois governor in a row sent to prison for corruption. Former Gov. George Ryan is serving a 6 1/2 year sentence in a federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind.

Lohan: Car didn’t hit man’s knee

LOS ANGELES – Lindsay Lohan said Wednesday that allegations that her car grazed a man’s knee outside a Hollywood nightclub are “a complete lie.”

Lohan went straight to her 3 million Twitter followers to respond to the latest in a long line of car-related troubles for the “Mean Girls” actress and recent “Saturday Night Live” host.

“This is all a complete lie. I’ve been at community service,” Lohan tweeted on her official account. According to police, Lohan’s black Porsche was surrounded by paparazzi outside the club about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. The man told officers her sports car grazed his knee outside the club.

Lohan drove off and a police report wasn’t taken because the man, an employee of the Hookah Lounge near the club, wasn’t hurt, police said.

The 25-year-old starlet was trying to make a U-turn outside the Wilcox Avenue club.

Charlize Theron a first-time mother

NEW YORK – Actress Charlize Theron is a mother: The actress has adopted a child. In a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Theron’s publicist said the actress is a “proud mom of a healthy baby boy named Jackson.”

No more details were provided.

Theron is from South Africa. This is the actress’ first child.

The 36-year-old won an Academy Award for her role as serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 2003’s “Monster.”

She was nominated for an Oscar for 2005’s “North Country.” She next stars as an evil queen in “Snow White and the Huntsman.”