No, they do not have to be released, eventually. It is possible that the plan is to let the SEC revoke SPNG's registration. Thus, wiping out all share holders with the Mutt Bros ending up with a private company ... and no pesky share holders! They do have voting control, you know ... allowing them to do whatever they want.
No matter how one twists and turns the scenario, there is no possible way share holders avoid being wiped out. Revocation, Class Actions, Reverse Split or BK; share holders are toast!