Benchmark claims that Travis agreed not to exercise the authority as part of the resignation ordeal. This is mentioned in the article in passing. I'd guess that being sued by them changed his perspective on the deal, assuming it existed.

I suppose it's because the power is in question, and is being challenged in court by Benchmark as we speak.

Independent of social mores, I kind of see the strategic logic. If Benchmark defeats him in court, this power is null and the action undone. (The cost: he makes it slightly harder to do his next thing. Maybe.) If Benchmark fails, this is a solid backdoor power move. Between the binaries, this could influence Benchmark's willingness to settle (or sell). He’s doubling down.

Yes Board & Benchmark are getting ready to clip Kalanick wings, he is not going to gain anything by staying silent .

> If Benchmark defeats him in court, this power is null and the action undone.

> If Benchmark fails to defat him in court, this further ensconces his unofficial power.

> Between the binaries, this power move could very well influence Benchmark's willingness to settle (or sell).

He’s a young man with a future to think about. Using all the powers you have can offend some people, some of whom are in a position to help or hinder your future efforts for decades to come.

If this works, it’ll be Jobsian brilliance. If, as more likely, not—then expect his life to get harder.

I worked with Travis in 2002 and he didn't get where he is by not offending people. He plays hard all the time.

> "...then expect his life to get harder."

Poor guy might be out of a job, would just have to get by with his few paltry billions.

(I know what you are trying to say, but no-one makes billions without being smart, lucky and willing to take a chance)

If things go poorly I imagine within a year he'll find no hinderance. A guy like him will get lots of second chances.