[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.

[RightWhale]

The researcher has been pushing his iron star hypothesis for quite some time. IMO he could have been more productive with his time.