I respectfully disagree somewhat. Maybe hitting him wasn't the best thing (Its like hitting your boss) but -I read this and agree- at the same time people with such strong personalities will lash when they are forced to change. The producers are crazy trying to eliminate their key to success. He (his humor) is the reason it is the most watched show ever and the only reason why it has gone to almost 30 seasons and still remains popular. BBC might also be warning the producers about him but like... why would you listen to them? Top Gear has constantly stepped out of not only their boundaries but social boundaries and has made a global statement and stamp on automotive and other groups as well. They can almost make their own channel or move to another broadcasting station with the success.
Overall, I think they need to work it out and reach a medium in between.

Because they're run by a bunch of politically correct morons who don't want literally ANYONE to be offended that they are still allowing Clarkson to be shown on their network.

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they fired Clarkson, as stupid of a move as it may sound. Of course, the show will immediately tank, then May and Hammond will quit, and the BBC will look stupid as hell.

but the fact that he physically assaulted a fellow BBC staff member is really just unacceptable.

Is this a known fact already, or did it just somehow turn into a fact during this conversation?

I agree that suspending him was the right decision. Like bej96 said, he needs to get his arrogance and check and he needs to learn that he can't just do whatever he wants. And if its true that he punched someone, then its good he was suspended. As much as I like Clarkson, and even though Top Gear is my favourite show, you just can't go around punching people even if your name is Jezza.

He punched Piers Morgan before and everyone was pleased with that haha.