ESPN removes reporter Rachel Nichols from NBA coverage and cancels its “The Jump,” the channel confirmed Wednesday. The decision remains opposite reaction about leaked comments about his former colleague Maria Taylor.
“We mutually agreed that this approach in relation to our NBA coverage was best for all concerned. Rachel is an excellent reporter, host and journalist and we thank her for her many contributions to our content. NBA, ”said David Roberts, ESPN’s senior vice president. production.
Nichols commented on the decision Wednesday. “I had to create a whole show and spend five years hanging out with some of my favorite people talking about one of my favorite things,” she wrote on Instagram. “The Jump was never built to last forever, but it sure was fun.”
“More to come.”
Mike Ehrmann / Getty
In July, The New York Times first reported the leaked audio. Nichols, who is white, said Taylor was only chosen to be the secondary reporter for last year’s NBA Finals because she is black.
“If you need to give it more things to do because you feel pressure on your long history of diversity, which by the way I know personally, like now, go for it, just find it elsewhere. “, he said. he said on the recording.
Several days later, ESPN denied Nichols not reporting outside of this year’s NBA championship series. But he continued to cover the series on “The Jump” and later reported on this year’s summer league tournament.
Rachel also apologized for the comments on her show and said, “I also don’t want to miss this moment without saying how deeply, I’m deeply sorry for disappointing those I’ve hurt, especially Mary Taylor.”
Last month, Taylor too separate with the network after the two parties did not agree to an extension of the contract.