You know, you COULD on the other hand interpret that as "he manned up, and like blokes throughout the ages, accepted that sometimes you get a punch for being a prat, decided to grow up and let it go".
Who knows though.
As for Clarkson, well I've said before, I'm almost convinced he's a year or so decided he's getting on a bit, wants to "retire" but either doesn't want to be remembered as the guy who wrecked Top Gear, or even just wants to make a "laddish" name for himself so he's trying to get himself sacked.