Yesterday I wrote about the lessons that we can all learn from the unfortunate situation that Greg Oden has found himself dealing with.
If you didn’t hear, nude photos that Oden took of himself and sent to a female “friend” recently surfaced on the Internet. (BTW, it’s okay to click on that link…I didn’t include the pictures in my post.)
Some time after the pictures surfaced – and Google trends surrounding Oden’s name became volcanic – the Blazers’ center answered questions from the media about the photos.
Watch the video:
Video courtesy: NBA.com
What is obvious from Oden’s answers is that, while he may have a lot still to learn about what he should and shouldn’t do when he’s holding a camera or when one might be around, he is not a capricious or immature young man.
By coming out so quickly and answering questions in a forthright manner, Oden allowed himself and his team to move past this ultimately inconsequential situation.
He also provided a blueprint for what all athletes should do when they get caught in similar 24-48 hour Internet firestorms. Address it honestly, then move on.
Here’s hoping Oden is successful in getting the pictures off the Internet, and that he is a little bit more discerning the next time he chooses to use his cell phone for something other than a phone call.
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Greg Oden photo credit: Basketball Fiend
