Modhi's operandi

In any sport, there is an implied code of behaviour enshrined within a set of rules. Hence, when an athlete is called before a governing body to explain or justify their behaviour, an implicit statement is being made about what is and isn't acceptable. However, cricketer Kevin Pietersen, currently playing in the Indian Premier League, has been explicitly told by the IPL's Commissioner, Lalit Modhi, to improve his behaviour and play 'within the spirit of the game' (Pietersen was found guilty of dissent following a weekend game). Was it acceptable for Modhi to make such a comment? Should codes of behaviour be clear and openly stated? Does this approach to regulating athlete behaviour constitute good governance on Modhi's part? Should other sports follow suit? Do these other sports pander too much to the whims of athletes by dealing more quietly and subtlety with unacceptable behaviour? Or is this the best way? The most democratic way? Should Modhi have come out so openly in admonishing Pietersen? Could it actually be that Modhi's comments have less to do with Pietersen's specific behaviour, and more to do with ensuring that the IPL loses none of its commercial lustre as the result of some 'naughty boys' and their bad behaviour?