INDIANAPOLIS — “Manti Te’o Day" at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine began with an ironic twist around noon local time. Approximately 200 reporters swarmed a podium to hear from the victim of a hoax that captured the attention of the country.

Te’o didn’t show, leaving everyone staring and photographing an empty podium, which led to plenty of jokes at Te’o’s expense. 

His media availability was a false alarm, as everyone was more than two hours early for the “show.” When the real press conference occurred, the crazy spectacle — from a media perspective — was countered by Teo’s ease in handling the questions, punctuated by a classy closing statement.

The most decorated player in college history faced a media contingent larger than other “intriguing” prospects at recent Combines, like Tim Tebow and Cam Newton.

“I said all I needed to say about (the hoax),” Te’o said at the start. “How I’m handling it going forward is doing what I’m doing right now, focusing on football and the Combine. Not everybody gets the opportunity to be here. I’m sure there are thousands and thousands of people who would like to be here in Indianapolis. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment.”

The significance of his responses to questions from the media pales in comparison to his answers inside interviews with NFL teams this week. Te’o was asked if any team did not ask him about the infamous incident involving a fake girlfriend, Lennay Kukua. “No,” he laughed.

Te’o said that teams wanted to know the facts from his point of view. “They’ve all just wanted to hear it from me what the truth was. … Some guys, I’d briefly describe it for 30 seconds, and the next 14 minutes is all plays, getting down to business. That’s how I prefer it.”

Known for his high character during his college career, Te’o said he understands why teams are interested in the hoax.