Over the years, as Johnson became a media executive, word would get back to him from time to time that Lott was repeating the tale to mutual acquaintances -- to embarrass him, Johnson believes. Boy, I guess that tactic came back and bit Lott on the butt, didn't it.
If you're going to try and embarrass people about their past, it might be a good idea if you aren't guilty of the same embarrassing action.
If he is telling the truth(which we can all decide for ourselves).