[RightWhale]

Do you know more about him than the article relates?

Right, but not first-hand. He seems to be just an ordinary scientist who has put forth a speculation. All scientists do that, play what-if, just not in public. For science to exist at all it is vitally important that published articles be beyond reproach. Even if it is scribbled on the bottom of a pizza box at a physics conference, it better be good, or you'll be remembered as somewhat halfbaked.

[Arkinsaw]

All scientists do that, play what-if, just not in public.

It looks like the reporter picked up on the paper he submitted and asked him to explain it for the story. I'm not sure that responding to the reporter would be considered "pushing it" on his colleagues or seeking attention or being involved in unseemly behavior. Sometimes, when people call you and ask for explanation, you do it.