Like 1AA said, It's NOT a free pass, not even close. Any and all mechanics involved in the maint of said violation, any and all inspectors involved, as well as possibly the leads, sups, and whomever signed the aircraft of as "Airworthy" and yes all these people can be different people. All these folks could be at risk of lic. being in jeopardy, risk of job loss etc... There is a lot more to it than most think. The ASAP group within AA could very well reject the ASAP report from the employee. The FAA could reject the ASAP report. Even if all groups except it into the ASAP program, there can still be punishments delivered it is all determined by the ASAP group, the company, and the FAA after a full blown and thorough investigation of what took place.
And BTW, AA will not just make them supervisors if it is found they were in the wrong. If the FAA wants them punished they will get punished not promoted or moved up.