I wouldn't think you could short shares if you have a business interest in the company
toxic lenders do it all the time. Not saying that was a factor here, cuz I dunno anything SPNG's financing, share structure, etc. But, ya, there's lenders who will loan a company money in return for discounted shares, then sell those into the run, then short the stock on the way down...many times, *all* the way down.