Sure they can, just like they can say climategate means nothing, there was zero evidence of any wrong, all the emails show nothing is wrong at all.
They handwave it away, and then get mad when you laugh at them. because it doesn’t get much more like denial than to simply deny everything you don’t like.
Grow up and realize that if you are playing, you are going to take some hits. Quit crying about it. And follow the goddamn rules.