Simple rule of media interaction...control the message! If you'd don't tell them anything..they will make up stuff. Did GB really lie? Sounds to me like he told the truth. Not the whole truth, but a small fragment of it.
Edit : These people make a living by training people how to control the media :
http://mcloughlinmedia.com/encounteringthemediap43.php
Oh, the good old marketing lessons. I still remember it and the best parts for me have always been the non-verbal communication lessons.
To add onto your answer, if you want to control the message but don't say anything, you will end up getting caught and will end up giving to much information, the wrong way. By saying something, you make a statement and become the most reliable source of information. All the ''anonymous sources'' get the heat and have to justify new information with facts.
After all, new journalists go to school to learn how to ask trap questions and old journalists open school that teach businessmen how to face those trap questions and don't get caught.
The worst thing is a good trap question and an answer that goes : Well...hum...we...euh...yeah...
If I remember well, someone transcribed a council session and it was Martinez or Beasley who would have a ''eugh...'' every two words.