Olbermann was yanked from his weeknights "Countdown" program Friday for making donations to three candidates without first getting approval from the head of the news division as required under the policy at MSNBC's parent, NBC News. Olbermann had anchored the channel's election coverage Tuesday night.

"After several days of deliberation and discussion, I have determined that suspending Keith through and including Monday night's program is an appropriate punishment for his violation of our policy," The New York Times reported MSNBC President Phil Griffin said in a statement. "We look forward to having him back on the air Tuesday night."

MSNBC reported the Progressive Change Campaign Committee's online petition calling for Olbermann's immediate reinstatement had surpassed 250,000 signatures.

Olbermann tweeted his thanks to his supporters Sunday.

"Greetings From Exile! A quick, overwhelmed, stunned THANK YOU for support that feels like a global hug & obviously left me tweetless XO," he said in his online message.

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