Could be AT burned some bridges in negotiations.. (though I'm glad he didn't make a deal when sentiment and prices are low). Maybe it was necessary to bring in 'good cop' to open things up again as the tide now appears to be turning. If AT has done this in good grace he's a champion for putting the company first.
Also could be that the big shorters heard wind of this change and saw it as another reason to short. If the market see's it as a positive bad luck to them. Maybe a good day to start closing some short positions.
Glass half full speculation only
GXY Price at posting:
$2.01 Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held