LOS ANGELES (AP) — The doctor convicted of killing Michael Jackson never testified at his trial, but he is now defending himself in multiple NBC interviews taped just days before a jury returned his guilty verdict.

NBC’s “Today” show planned to broadcast interviews with Dr. Conrad Murray in which he defends his use of the surgical anesthetic propofol to put Jackson to sleep. Although multiple experts testified at his trial that propofol should not have been administered in Jackson’s home, the doctor disagreed.

“I think propofol is not recommended to be given in the home setting,” Murray said, “but it is not contraindicated.”

He also said Jackson had been using the substance long before the pop star met Murray.

The interview with the Houston cardiologist, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter Monday, is set to air Thursday and Friday. NBC released excerpts of the interview Wednesday.

Under questioning by the “Today” show’s Savannah Guthrie, Murray said it was not necessary for him to monitor Jackson because he had given him only a small dose of propofol, and he said that was the reason he didn’t mention it to paramedics when they arrived at Jackson’s mansion.

“That’s a very sad reason,” he said, “because it was inconsequential — 25 milligrams and the effect’s gone. Means nothing.”