Though I busted your chops earlier (about sentence capitalization), I have to step in here and, for the most part, agree with you.
When I originally read the official AMA report of Mladin's fine and penalty, I sided with the AMA. After reading the transcript of what Mat actually said, I have changed my mind. I believe he had a right to "vent" in a public forum and nothing I read there seemed terribly out of place. He could have left out the "sh*t" word, but it was said in the heat of the moment and I have certainly said worse, especially when agitated. That guy (Moore?) from NHIR came across as a real jerk.
I think public sports figures need to be mindful of the impact of their words and attitudes upon those who look up to them, especially children. Poor sportsmanship is rampant these days and, IMHO, a fine or censure is appropriate when athletes step over that line and lose sight of that. I don't believe that a man can puff his chest out about how "professional" he is in one breath, and then lose sight of that in the next, with impunity.
I respect Mat Mladin's abilities and he has never, to my knowledge, stepped out of line publicly before this weekend. I think we ought to give him a break this time.
BUT -- I think Eric Bostrom, who seems to be commensurately professional, had the last laugh in this case. He who was categorized as an "amateur" by Mladin simply went out and beat him, fair and square -- with no chest pounding or excessive bravado. That makes a far bigger statement than any press conference.
Bravo, Eric.