ESPN journalist Rachel Nichols has been removed from the network’s NBA coverage, and the show she hosts, The Jump, has been canceled.
According to The Sports Business Journal, Nichols was informed of ESPN’s decision, and it is not likely that she will be seen on ESPN for the year-plus left on her contract.
“We mutually agreed that this approach regarding our NBA coverage was best for all concerned,” ESPN senior vice president of production David Roberts said in a statement. “Rachel is an excellent reporter, host, and journalist, and we thank her for her many contributions to our NBA content.”
Nichols would respond to the report on Twitter: “Go to create a whole show and spend five years hanging out with some of my favorite people talking about one my favorite things An eternal thank you to our amazing producers & crew – The Jump was neer built to last forever but it sure was fun. More to come…”
In early July, audio of Rachel Nichols on a hot mic and camera was released on the Internet. In the audio, Nichols could be heard making remarks about then coworker, Maria Taylor, a Black woman, receiving a significant reporting spot during the NBA Bubble. In the comment, Nichols stated that Taylor was receiving the position due to the network’s aim for diversity.
Rachel Nichols was removed from NBA Finals sideline reporting in the fallout, and Nichols apologized on The Jump.
