I doubt anyone thought it could actually be hidden from, what would have to be, thorough physicals. At the same time, maybe they did try to keep it under wraps for as long as possible, So it didn't become something writers focused on, or always mentioned, when they wrote about him. Someone could think that could impact perceptions of him enough to hurt his draft level. This way, it is kind of an afterthought...and even a justification for why he looked winded, but after the fact.
