Twelve years ago, CBS created a show called Criminal Minds. Since the very first episode, Thomas Gibson has portrayed the character of Aaron 'Hotch' Hotchner, the leader of the BAU. Cast members have come and gone, but Hotch has always been the backbone of this show. Thomas Gibson got into a physical altercation with a producer and was suspended for four (4) episodes. While this seems reasonable because violence should never be acceptable, it was then released that the fight occurred because the producer was getting aggressive towards Gibson and he felt the need to retaliate in self-defense. Sources have said that the producer was the one who turned the previously verbal argument physical, not Gibson. The producer has also been known to be intimidating and argumentative to people on set, so this was not out of character. This was, however, out of character for Gibson. Because of this argument, Gibson has since been fired. The producer has not faced any punishment or any such repercussions for starting the fight and going after Gibson the way he did. Most of us are very aware that violence is never the answer and is never acceptable, however, in this case, Thomas Gibson is getting fired for defending himself. This show has been on for twelve years. It has changed lives, my own included, and talks about important and serious issues, and is still very popular after twelve years. It will not survive without Thomas Gibson, and quite frankly, it shouldn't. The fact that a man who has been on this show since episode one can get fired for defending himself is dispicable. CBS, please, do the right thing. Do not fire Thomas Gibson for doing what he thought was needed to protect himself. Do not do that to him, or to the fans that have faithfully watched this show for years.