Jermaine Jackson says he Wishes he Could Take Brother's Place in Death

NEW YORK (AP) -- Jermaine Jackson says if he had his way, he'd be the one dead, instead of his baby brother.

In an interview yesterday on NBC's "Today" show, Jermaine says he always felt he was Michael's protector and "backbone." Asked why he felt he would have wanted to die instead of his brother, he said he felt he was "someone to be there for" Michael. He also says he'd be "hurt" if it turned out that his brother died from abusing prescription drugs.

Jermaine also says he would like to see Neverland Ranch be his brother's resting place. There had been talk that a memorial for Michael might be built at Neverland or that the pop star could be buried there. But a source tells The Associated Press there wasn't time to secure permits for a burial in time for a funeral service next week.

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