Who Is Rachel Nichols? ESPN Pulled Her From NBA Coverage

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Rachel Nichols
Rachel Nichols

Rachel Nichols is a host an commenter from ESPN. The network pulled Nichols from NBA programming and canceled her show after she made racist comments about fellow ESPN host Maria Taylor.

Nichols Pulled From ESPN NBA Coverage, “The Jump” Canceled. ““We mutually agreed that this approach regarding our NBA coverage was best for all concerned,” David Roberts, ESPN senior vice president of production, said in a statement. “Rachel is an excellent reporter, host and journalist, and we thank her for her many contributions to our NBA content.”” [NBC]

Nichols Said Maria Taylor Was Hired Because She’s Black. “In a conversation with an adviser to the Lakers star LeBron James, Nichols, who is white, said that Taylor, who is Black, had been chosen to host 2020 N.B.A. finals coverage instead of her because ESPN executives were “feeling pressure” on diversity.” [NY Times]

Nichols Praised “Amazing Producers & Crew” Announcing End Of Show. “Got to create a whole show and spend five years hanging out with some of my favorite people Red heart talking about one my favorite things Basketball An eternal thank you to our amazing producers & crew – The Jump was never built to last forever but it sure was fun. Smiling face with sunglasses” [Rachel Nichols]

Taylor Left ESPN, Went To NBC After Nichols Comments. “On Wednesday, ESPN announced that it could not agree on a contract extension with her. On Friday, she was working for NBC at the Olympics.” [NY Times]

Nichols Apologized After Remarks Became Public. “On this Monday’s episode of The Jump, Nichols apologized, saying: “The first thing they teach you in journalism school is don’t be the story, and I don’t plan to break that rule today or distract from a fantastic Finals. But I also don’t want to let this moment pass without saying how much I respect, how much I value our colleagues here at ESPN, how deeply, deeply sorry I am for disappointing those I hurt, particularly Maria Taylor, and how grateful I am to be part of this outstanding team.”” [TV Line]