ESPN removes Rachel Nichols from NBA coverage, cancels her show

ESPN is removing reporter Rachel Nichols from its NBA coverage and canceling her show “The Jump”, the network confirmed on Wednesday. The decision follows backlash on the leaked comments she made about her former colleague Maria Taylor.

“We mutually agreed that this approach to our NBA coverage was the best for everyone involved. Rachel is an excellent reporter, host and reporter, and we thank her for her many contributions to our NBA content,” said David Roberts, senior vice president of ESPN. production.

Nichols commented on the decision on Wednesday. “I have to make a whole show and spend five years spending time with some of my favorite people talking about one of my favorite things,” she wrote on Instagram. “The Jump was never meant to last forever, but it was really fun.”

“More soon.”

In July, the New York Times first reported on the audio leak. Nichols, who is white, said Taylor was only chosen to be the sideline reporter for last year’s NBA Finals because she was black.

“If you need to give her more things to do because you feel the pressure from your long-standing record for diversity – which, by the way, I know personally – like, come on. -y, find it somewhere else, ”she said. said in the recording.

Several days later, ESPN excluded Nichols from its reporting on the sidelines of this year’s NBA Championship Series. But she continued to cover the series on “The Jump” and then reported on this year’s Summer League tournament.

Rachel also apologized for the comments on her show, saying, “I also don’t want to let this moment go by without saying how deeply sorry I am for disappointing those I hurt, especially Maria. Taylor. “

Last month, Taylor also separate ways with the network after the two parties failed to agree on a contract extension.