TNT has an issued an apology for Tracy Morgan’s crude remark about Sarah Palin, E! News reports. During a live broadcast of Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley and Tracy were discussing who is hotter: Tina Fey or Sarah Palin (my vote’s for Tina). Charles said, ”Sarah Palin’s good looking, isn’t she?”

To which Tracy responded: ”Let me tell you something about Sarah Palin—she’s good masturbation material.”

The cable network issued the following statement: “It’s unfortunate Mr. Morgan showed a lack of judgment on our air with his inappropriate comments.” Tracy did not comment any further on the matter.

Was Tracy’s remark going too far – or are people being oversensitive? Here’s why I’m conflicted: I think it’s absolutely absurd to treat female politicians as sex objects. As a governor or Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin deserves to be treated like any other man in her position, whether or not you agree with her politics. You might remember Sarah’s leggy Newsweek Magazine cover, which was ridiculous and offensive. You didn’t see John McCain being photographed like that!

But now, Sarah has chosen a reality career over being governor – and thus is on the same level as the Kardashian sisters. Would it have been okay for Tracy to make the same remark about Kim Kardashian? That’s a tougher call, isn’t it?

The one thing I don’t really get is what any of this had to do with basketball…