Let's see, using a whisteblower threat as blackmail to keep his job. If Binswanger really believed there was wrongdoing, why would he be willing to ignore all that as long as he has his job?  

Doesn't sound like politics, but rather a crude bargaining tactic for a suitable separation agreement. Pay me or I sue. 

Whisteblower complaints are supposed to be for people with integrity to use to fix a wrong, not fix their job.