The assumption seems to be that NP blocked this paper. From the little I know there was some kind of falling out between them.

BP has a very successful company. I’m sure he’d like to see his paper get published, but he doesn’t need it so right now.
NP OTOH needs it. It would undoubtedly bring notice to LL and boost the SP. NP NEEDS this.
Why would NP block it? No motive there.
BP however, if he’s seriously pissed about something NP did then yeah, he’s got motive.

Just trying to look at this from another angle.