pure speculation: ChatGPT training dataset contains massive amounts of copyrighted material, and he told the board it didn't. now there's a big looming liability.
Given the wording and the apparent stepping down of the board chair, this is very likely a conflict between the grow at all costs startup folks and the AGI true believers. Sam was likely going to fully sell out and make himself filthy rich. The AGI cultists wanted to retain control over their Frankenstein’s monster.
My money is on a MilTech contract. Same got it approved in secrecy without telling the others; Greg had to know for signature and didn’t tell others. Neither could speak about it, hence the lack of candor, uncharacteristic from fairly straight-shooter Sam. Explains why Eric Schmidt knew to congratulate him immediately and why he’s not ashamed.
Alternatively, Google keeps showing a non-existent tweet of Sam announcing a presidential run in 2024. Maybe the board didn’t like that he didn’t tell them. Also explains why Eric would know more.
This and that the user data was actually being used for training.