Greg Oden Apologizes for "Embarrassing" Photos

Sitting on a chair, holding a cane and surrounded by reporters, injured Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden this evening apologized several times and said he was deeply embarrassed by the naked photos of him that surfaced this morning on the Internet.

At the 6 pm press conference convened at the Blazers' practice facility in Tualatin, local reporters then showered Oden, who turned 22 on Friday, with numerous questions. True to format, so to speak, the questions were filled with fake concern for the moral rectitude of Blazers' fans and Oden's reputation.

Here's a partial transcript of the 15-minute press event, with Oden's paraphrased answers:

Q: What do you hope to learn from this?
A: Be careful.

Q: How did you feel this morning?
A: My heart dropped.

Q: Do you still have a relationship with the person who leaked the photos?
A: No.

Q: Is this tough on you?
A: Yes.

Q: Do you feel betrayed? Or violated?
A: It's my fault.

Q: What would you say to kids who might hear about this at school?
A: It's an example of how you have to be careful.

Q: Is it frustrating to have to address this with the media?
A: Yes. It's very embarrassing.

Q: Is it distracting you from your recovery?
A: No.

Q: Will you take legal action against the person who leaked the photos?
A: I really just want to move on.

Q: Have you lost any sponsors?
A: I haven't heard.

I felt so bad for the guy surrounded by reporters like he was, I think I accidentally made him feel worse with my question. I personally just don't care that much the poor guy was caught with his pants down in a photo that Oden says is about 18 months old and was supposed to be private.

So I apologize, and I'm deeply embarrassed to say I actually asked Oden the following question while television cameras were rolling: "Why are you embarrassed? A lot of people are impressed."

I couldn't tell from the impassive look he gave me if he wanted to laugh, run or strangle me. But, pro that he is, he answered the question the only way the 24-hour news cycle allows. He repeated how embarrassed he was.

Meanwhile, the following has absolutely nothing to do with nakedness. But in response to another question from WW, Oden did also say he's taking a class at Portland State University right now. He wouldn't say what it's called, presumably because he doesn't want to cause a distraction on campus. Other reports say it's a sociology class. Let's hope this incident provides ample material for a term paper at the very least.