Shane Victorino captured a picture of himself just prior to appearing on the Hot Stove Show Thursday night. (AP)

Speaking on WEEI’s Hot Stove Show on Thursday night, Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino offered some brief thoughts on the recent controversy surrounding Notre Dame linebacker (and fellow Hawaiian) Manti Te’o.

“To be honest with you, I’m not going to have any comment on that situation. It’s an unfortunate situation. The truth is still to be told. … I’m going to touch upon that when things are done. People are going to speculate,” Victorino said. “For me, ultimately, people have to understand, and I look at it this way, it’s about the game of football. He’s still a great football player. Who knows the truth? I don’t know the truth. Again, my comment is I really have nothing to say about it until we figure it out and someone comes forward and really says what really happened.”

Victorino — who has formed a relationship with Te’o and attended the national championship game to watch the Notre Dame star — said he hasn’t spoken with Te’o since the story broke earlier this week regarding what is perceived to be a hoax involving what was thought to be the 21-year-old’s girlfriend.

Prior to commenting on Thursday night’s show, the only other mention Victorino had regarding the situation came via a tweet Wednesday:

I am beyond words and speechless about this situation…waiting to find out more! #Sad

— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) January 16, 2013

Victorino was upbeat when talking about his participation in the World Baseball Classic. The outfielder will be making his second straight appearance for Team USA, having been part of the 2009 club.

Read the rest of this entry »