Rachel Nichols is back in the headlines on July 6 just two days after being exposed by The New York Times for saying in a recorded phone conversation that ESPN wanted Maria Taylor for the NBA Finals because the company is “feeling pressure about [their] crappy longtime record on diversity.”
After apologizing on Monday, it’s been reported by multiple outlets that the “NBA Countdown” host is now being removed as a sideline reporter for this year’s NBA Finals. ESPN’s Malika Andrews, who, like Taylor, is a Black NBA reporter, and will serve as her replacement on the sidelines. In their statement, ESPN said, “We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host The Jump.”