Rachel Nichols will not serve as the sideline reporter for the 2021 NBA Finals, according to ESPN. Instead, Malika Andrews will fill the role.
The switch is being made after a New York Times article detailed Nichols’s displeasure with fellow reporter Maria Taylor getting more air time. Audio obtained by the Times of Nichols revealed the following quote:
“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.”
ESPN released a statement on the unfolding matter. “We believe this is the best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals,” the issued statement read. Nichols will still be the primary host of The Jump.
Nichols expressed deep sorrow in a reactionary statement to the report:
“I … don’t want to let this moment pass without saying how much I respect, 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 has worked with the network since 2004, with a brief hiatus from 2013 to 2016.
