MSNBC has suspended its breakfast-time simulcast of Don Imus' radio show after the shock jock uttered a racial slur during a live broadcast.

The Imus in the Morning show on WFAN Radio is simulcast on MSNBC during the breakfast slot so that the news channel does not compete with NBC's networked Today programme. On Wednesday, Imus called the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos", provoking a firestorm of criticism. African-American leaders including the Reverend Al Sharpton have issued calls for him to be fired.

On Friday, Imus apologised on his show, characterising the comment as "an insensitive and ill-conceived remark."

Following Imus' apology on Friday, WFAN said the remark was "inappropriate" and added that they were "disappointed". However, the furore continued to grow during the Easter holiday with the Reverend Jesse Jackson leading protests outside NBC's Chicago studios.

In a statement issued late last night, NBC announced: "Beginning Monday, April 16, MSNBC will suspend simulcasting the syndicated Imus in the Morning radio program for two weeks. This comes after careful consideration in the days since his racist, abhorrent comments were made. Don Imus has expressed profound regret and embarrassment and has made a commitment to listen to all of those who have raised legitimate expressions of outrage. In addition, his dedication - in his words - to change the discourse on his program moving forward, has confirmed for us that this action is appropriate. Our future relationship with Imus is contingent on his ability to live up to his word.

"The previously scheduled Imus radiothon in support of the Tomorrow's Children's Fund, the CJ Foundation for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome research and the Imus Ranch will air, as scheduled, this Thursday and Friday on MSNBC."

CBS Radio, which owns WFAN, confirmed that the suspension applies to Imus' radio show as well as the MSNBC telecast.

This is not the first time that MSNBC has had to take action after offensive comments went out on its air; back in 2003, the network sacked a presenter who told a gay caller to "get AIDS and die".