This whole Marshall incident is bizarre. Given that, it's not too far of a stretch like Olympic level gymnastics, it's only high school level. I did say it was speculative.
It's actually quite common. I've seem it a lot in business. You see it often from inexperienced people, who are unsure of their positions and standing, doing something short sighted for self validation.
Maybe they were already planning to give him it but found out it wasn't working. When the ***** up happened, it gave them an "in" and they sweetened it to make sure it stuck.
No inside info, just speculation how both could happen at the same time.