I think the simplest explanation is the most likely. In this case, that the hold out board members are idiots.
Even if Sam deliberately provoked them and this was a set up, no normal person would be this obstinate about it. They would’ve given up now if this was anybody’s doing but their own.
>>kmlevi+(OP)
We still don't know what specific act the board in its initial statement refers to had triggered this, and to add fat to this theory, the interim CEO basically mentions that he had doubts but was convinced after learning what this trigger was.