Admit to the mistake, especially if it's going to come out anyway
Based on this thread, I think that just as it's possible to do anything to an extreme level (to the point where it's no long beneficial/value-giving), it's possible to be too honest.
And, in some cases, if a mistake is going to stay a secret, or if few people are going to know about it, and it adds no value to share about it (see utilitarian value-adding), it's probably best if you say nothing.
However, if it's going to come out anyway and probably blow out, it's probably best if you say it first.
See an example here:
Notice how he looks down at him with his face contorted after delivering that knockout as if to say, "You shouldn't have messed with me."
But, now, look at what everyone discovers upon watching the instant replay:
That wasn't a punch, it was an elbow throw.
And yet, rather than stop, check on his opponent, and apologize for his mistake, he makes a face of victory and allows his coach to carry him around in celebration.
Had he admitted to his mistake early on, he could've come across as more honest and possibly even helped shape the narrative more positively.
Especially, since that mistake was going to come out anyway. On a public stage like that with an instant replay feature, there was no hiding it.
Very interesting and good case study, Ali.
I agree he may have lost points with the attitude, albeit without knowing much about the match I think there may be a situation where not admitting first may be better.
For example, him coming out like that may invite, expand, and legitimize calls for overturning the match result, or handing some kind of penalty.
I remember a slightly similar situation in which Inzaghi scored the second goal of the champions league final with an upper arm touch:
Right after the match in the interview he nonchalantly dropped as he spoke "I touched it with my head" LOL.
I think in that case no admitting first may have been good to avoid thread-expanding and drawing big day-after titles that may focus on that one thing, and otherwise only detract from a deservedly won match.
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Thank you for the great point, Lucio.
And it seems that the boxer tried to take that same approach you mention actually, saying in an interview right after the match "I gave him a right hook".
We'll see what the final decision is as far as if he'll be allowed to keep his victory or if he'll be disqualified. (And, right now, many are saying it could actually end in a "no contest" which would still be better than a disqualification for the boxer).
Update:
And the final result has been declared that the boxer will not be disqualified because the boxer's elbow throw was accidental and, therefore, that match has now ended in a "no decision".
Perhaps the boxer's statement above at that press conference claiming he threw a "right hook" played a role in his favorable outcome.
"Never talk to the police"... wins the day again 🙂