ESPN has removed Rachel Nichols as its sideline reporter for the NBA Finals after a phone conversation consisting of discriminatory comments she made about Black colleague Maria Taylor was leaked.
ESPN announced Tuesday that Malika Andrews would fill the role for the series between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.
Nichols, a White woman, has been the sideline reporter for its top national games this season and last year’s NBA Finals. The decision for her immediate removal was made after The New York Times reported Sunday on her comments last year when she was told Taylor would lead ESPN’s studio show instead of her during the NBA’s restart at Walt Disney World.
In a leaked phone conversation that was recorded and eventually obtained by the Times, Nichols said: “I wish Maria Taylor all the success in the world — she covers football, she covers basketball. If you need to give her more things to do because you are feeling pressure about your crappy longtime record on diversity — which, by the way, I know personally from the female side of it — like, go for it. Just find it somewhere else. You are not going to find it from me or taking my thing away.”
The Times’ report said the show’s staff was infuriated with Nichols, who since apologized Monday while hosting “The Jump.”
Nichols will still host that daily weekday basketball show onsite during the finals.
Taylor will host the NBA Finals pregame and halftime shows, although according to the New York Post, her contract ends later this month, and she had rejected an extension.
