couldn't get one or couldn't get one in time?
There's a huge distinction between being rejected and not getting a visa in time because of a backlog of requests. I don't know if there are restrictions as to how far in advance you are able to request a visa. I poked around and it seems the main form is the DS-160(which I helped someone with a couple of years ago) though I don't see at first glance anyway whether or not you have to file within X number of days of travel.
The article implies the person was not (yet at least) rejected they just hadn't gotten the visa processed in time for the event.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
