Spanier is loath to take a hard line in negotiations because, ultimately, Paterno holds the hammer -- his relationships with top Penn State donors. The president was asked to estimate how many millions Paterno has personally raised just during Spanier's 13-year tenure:
"I don't know if we can quantify it. I think we can say his contribution to our overall fundraising efforts is unprecedented among any university coach or sports figure. There is nothing like it.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/11/the_truth_behind_graham_spanie.html
No matter what the lawyers will feed on Penn State for years for all the stupid moves that all made.