Joe Scarborough Says ABC Won't Punish Stephanopoulos Because 'It All Comes Down To Money'

"WHOA!" That was the general reaction from the "Morning Joe" panel on Tuesday upon learning that George Stephanopoulos is reportedly making $105 million under a seven-year deal with ABC News.

The salary figure was revealed by The New York Post on Monday night. It's particularly noteworthy now that ABC's chief anchor is in the hot seat for failing to disclose that he donated $75,000 to the Clinton Foundation.

MSNBC's Joe Scarborough joked Tuesday that the nine-figure number could be the reason Stephanopoulos "lost count" of his donation, which, compared to $105 million, is quite minuscule.

The pay package also explains why ABC News has stood firmly behind its anchor and likely won't punish him, said Scarborough.

"They're not going to do anything to him," Scarborough said. "Let's face it, if Matt Lauer did that over here, everybody would be [Scarborough makes nervous gesture with fingers], because that's where they make the money."

"At the end of the day, how surprising that it all comes down to money," he concluded.