I'm not sure we can accurately judge the situation without knowing what went on. Hypothetically speaking if he called into question he superior in front of the whole group... then maybe it is justified. I know I couldn't call my boss a dumbass in front of the whole company and not get some kind of punishment.
That being said because you know this person and you think highly of him you may be a bit skewed to his side. Kinda like when a mom gets a call about her baby boy doing something out of character and she says the "Not my kid!" line only to find out yeah... he messed up.
But hey who knows right? I'm just a fan and don't really have a horse in the race.