The t heory that the article was simply an attempt to manipulatethestock lower and allow a short to get out (the author was short) makes the most sense to me.
During the initial period of trading, an underwriter will attempt to stabilize the price of a new stock but beyond that are not allowed to manipulatethe price.
In recent months, hedge fund critics have raised the issues of aggressive short-selling, hedge fund collusion with research analysts to manipulate a stock to their benefit, and short-sellers who skirt rules on stock settlement and clearing to make profits.