"Actually, I bet he relished (passed tense, if in fact settlements are taking place) the opportunity to sit down in a conference room with all the "big wigs" and get to "play".

In my opinion, these are very demeaning words to be used on a man of Turley's importance.  He has been "playing" with the "big wigs" for much longer than you are evidently aware.

Turley has been a real "find" for our company and I do not like to see him put down.