For some odd reason, there are always going to be folks who think ND is going to be immune from everyday events.
Somehow some folks think it is all on Freeman. Of course the more logical answer is that all these kids want to play and they decided their chances of playing are better elsewhere.
All of these guys are acting in their own best interest. The guys think they can do better elsewhere. That behavior isn't any different than anyone of this board who sees better opportunity somewhere else and acts accordingly.
My current "boss" just got a new boss and it is pretty clear that her career interests are best served somewhere else. So she's now in her own portal, although she doesn't have to announce it. One day, she'll get a new job and just move one.
No big conspiracy, no big mystery, just life.