ESPN has removed NBA reporter Rachel Nichols from all of its NBA coverage and canceled her weekday show, "The Jump," one month after controversial audio leaked of her insinuating that colleague Maria Taylor was chosen to cover the NBA Finals because of her race.
"We mutually agreed that this approach regarding our NBA coverage was best for all concerned," said ESPN Senior VP of Production David Roberts. "Rachel is an excellent reporter, host and journalist, and we thank her for her many contributions to our NBA content."
Nichols reacted to the news on social media and thanked the staff for their contributions to the show, which lasted for five years.
"Got to create a whole show and spend five years hanging out with some of my favorite people talking about one my favorite things," Nichols wrote. "An eternal thank you to our amazing producers & crew – The Jump was never built to last forever but it sure was fun. More to come."
Rachel Nichols remains under contract with ESPN, but she will not host the final episodes of "The Jump."
Source: Sports Business Journal
