Except it is doing his job. He signed a contract, which, while i do not have it in my possession, probably pretty exclusively states that he could be sent down to the minors at any given time. I'm rather sure of it, because he doesn't have a NMC.
And, if my work performance warranted it, and my company decided to demote me, yes, i'd absolutely report to my new position. I don't have the luxury of not collecting a paycheck. Pride doesn't pay the bills.
The best part is - he could have said "I dont like the idea of playing in the minors. So, I'll tell you what. Give me a NMC, and I'll take 500k less for that security." While i'm sure i could have tried to negotiate a 'no-demotion clause' into my offer letter, I'm fairly certain i'd have been laughed out of the room.