[sloop]

the validity of the reason is a subjective judgment call - not following the process is a violation of the law

[Cboldt]

-- not following the process is a violation of the law --

I don't think that argument will get far, in this case. After early missteps, missteps that would be fatal if maintained, the rhetoric is now "He's suspended with pay for 30 days, after which he will be removed."