Update 07/06/2021 1:32pm:

ESPN announced on Tuesday that Rachel Nichols has been removed from sideline coverage of the NBA Finals. The announcement comes a day after Nichols publicly apologized to ESPN colleague Maria Taylor after she was heard on leaked audio insinuating Taylor received a job over her because of her race.

"I wish Maria Taylor all the success in the world -- she covers football, she covers basketball," Nichols was heard saying to LeBron James' publicist, Adam Mendelsohn. "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."

On Sunday, The New York Times published the audio, which was recorded in July 2020. After receiving backlash for her remarks, Nichols issued a public apology during Monday's episode of "The Jump." However, Nichols was still pulled from the NBA Finals.

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

Rachel Nichols will be replaced by Malika Andrews. The NBA Finals matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns begins Tuesday night on ABC.

Source: NY Post

Original 07/05/2021 6:07pm:

ESPN's Rachel Nichols issued a public apology to Maria Taylor after The New York Times published leaked audio of Nichols complaining to LeBron James' publicist about Taylor receiving an NBA Finals assignment over her. Nichols criticized ESPN's decision as racially motivated, creating backlash and a larger discussion around the network's approach to diversity.

At beginning of Monday's episode of "The Jump," Nichols addressed the audio and apologized for her remarks.

"I also didn't want to let this moment pass without saying how much I respect and 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," Nichols said.

Nichols' co-hosts, Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson, also commented on the controversy and offered their support for Taylor while commending Nichols for her apology. Jefferson also called attention to the larger issue and encouraged the network to keep discussing diversity.

"Those conversations don't end here," Jefferson said. "We will continue to have uncomfortable conversations. No one is excused. She is not excused, I am not excused, Perk…This doesn't just go away. But we have to learn and understand it and become better for each other. And really through our actions more than anything. And that is our responsibility."

Nichols' leaked audio was recorded last year during the NBA Playoffs. While the Black staff member, who informed Taylor of the conversation, was demoted, Nichols was not reprimanded for her comments. Maria Taylor has not yet addressed the matter.