There was a discussion here sometime ago about Pohl and others options.
Found this information on options with regard to UNH.
VIOLATION LURKING?
But even if the board approved the timing of McGuire`s options, that would not absolve him or UnitedHealth`s directors entirely. While backdating itself isn`t illegal, it must be disclosed to shareholders and accounted for properly. Options that have a strike price equal to the share price on the day they`re granted are tax-deductible for the issuing company; backdated options aren`t, according to a tax law enacted in 1993.
http://yahoo.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_28/b3992075.htm
