American cable TV station TNT has issued a hurried apology after 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan said Sarah Palin was ‘good masturbation material’.

The broadcaster distanced itself from the comedian’s ‘inappropriate’ comments within minutes of receiving phone calls and emails about his appearance on a live basketball programme last night.

Inside The NBA hosts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith were teasing Morgan into deciding who was better looking: the former Republican vice-presidential candidate, or his 30 Rock co-star Tina Fey, who portrayed her on Saturday Night Live.

Morgan replied: ‘Let me tell you something about Sarah Palin, she's good masturbation material. The glasses and all of that... She is great masturbation material.’

Turner spokesman Jeff Pomeroy quickly issued a statement saying: ‘It's unfortunate Morgan showed a lack of judgment on our air with his inappropriate comments.’

Here is the exchange, which took place during the pre-game coverage of the New York Knicks vs Miami Heat game at Madison Square Garden last night:

Published: 28 Jan 2011