People make mistakes. I think this argument has nothing to do with the relevance of his claims. It could be covered by an NDA. Maybe he doesn't understand that it is covered by more. Either way. I just don't see this as an important point.
Second, when you go through the clearance process, the consequences and nature of the legal ramifications are burned into you by the documentation and people you have to deal with.
Hence the suspicion that the original claim is bogus. Either that, or the guy who made the claim will most likely be brought up on some very serious charges.
Tell that to the numerous private NSA contractors in the business mall across the freeway from Fort Meade. Former Unit 8200 guys are raking in millions.
I submit that you don't know what you're talking about.