ESPN Takes Rachel Nichols Off NBA Finals Duty After Leaked Comments

ESPN have removed Rachel Nichols as the NBA sideline reporter after controversy over leaked comments. 

The sports network has replaced Rachel as the reporter for the NBA finals following some comments she made about colleague Maria Taylor.

Nicholas has been the reporter for top national games this season and for last year’s NBA finals. The critical comments she made during an accidentally recorded phone-call about Taylor have angered the shows crew.

In the leaked call, she can be heard saying:

“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.”

Nichols has apologised for these controversial remarks.

“We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA finals,” ESPN have said in a statement. “Rachel will continue to host The Jump.”

Malika Andrews is now taking over the role of sideline reporter for the whole series.

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