I don't know what really happened here. I read your version and did some searching. I found a few mentions of attempted cover-up, but not much.
Most telling though is that of all the replies to your post, not a single one refuted your version. I don't know you personally, but we've been on the same side of an argument before and I know a bit about your background. I can only conclude that you are correct and that we have another round of FRknee-jerking going on here.
Thanks for your insight.