There are awkward interviews, and then there’s the conversation Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel had with a reporter this week.

In fact, Gabriel’s comments to KOIN sports anchor Brenna Greene were so bizarre that some fans speculated he might have had something to do with it. The speculation led to Greene coming forward on Wednesday and clarifying: “Dillon was not high.”

Greene interviewed Gabriel on Monday at a media event before Oregon’s game on Wednesday against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl CFP quarterfinal game. The interview took place at 8am and to be fair, Gabriel’s answers sounded like he was still in a dream state.

“We love the Rose Bowl,” Gabriel said. “We love warm weather. I think we should play more games on nice grass instead of artificial turf. The more sun, the better. Why are we doing this to ourselves? Do fans want to sit in the snow and rain? Let’s build arenas. Let’s build domes. More grass. Let’s have more fireworks at games. Yes, let’s do this.”

Greene posted the interview on X-Monday with a lighthearted comment: “Dillon Gabriel, certified MORNING PERSON.”

Dillon Gabriel, certified MORNING PERSON pic.twitter.com/xAmZsxAkRa

— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) December 30, 2024

A staggering 8.9 million people had seen Gabriel’s comments as of Wednesday afternoon (and that was just the number who saw it on Greene’s X account). Many fans were convinced that Gabriel had done something recreational before the interview. Portland’s 750 The Game perhaps said it best when he asked, “Dillon Gabriel. The next Bill Walton?”

Dillon Gabriel. The next Bill Walton? 🤔 https://t.co/3ckKbh7mtl

— 750 The Game (@750TheGame) December 31, 2024

All of the derogatory comments and insinuations Gabriel made prompted Greene to clarify the situation on Wednesday. She wrote on Dillon wasn’t high. He’s already being silly and I’m sure the combined exhaustion of how early it was and how much demand he had probably contributed to that quote.

“Kind of annoyed that something innocent and funny was chosen, but that’s the internet for you.”

There we have it. Gabriel was not high, just tired. At least according to Greene. Some on social media thought the jokes about Gabriel’s behavior had gotten out of hand.

Let people have fun.
He’s a kid playing in Oregon acting crazy, people making jokes about weed. Relax.

I love the guy, but saying he’s high is just funny.

– Duck Hunting (@genius_clearly) January 1, 2025

(Brenna Greene)