Rachel Nichols Out for N.B.A. Finals Coverage on ABC

Josh Krulewitz, an ESPN spokesman, did not respond to a request for comment about why the show did not air.

Nichols, who has hosted “The Jump” since 2016, commented publicly about the recording and what she said about Taylor on Monday’s episode.

She kept her comments brief, saying she did not want to distract from the crescendo to the N.B.A. season. But Nichols added that she did not “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.”

She was joined on the show by Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson, two Black former N.B.A. players who are regulars on “The Jump.” Perkins thanked Nichols for “accepting responsibility” and added that he knows her heart and that she is a “great person, great individual.” He also complimented Taylor.

Andrews, who is part of a finals commentating team for the first time, is a former reporter for The Times.

Taylor will host episodes of “NBA Countdown,” ESPN’s pregame and halftime show, during the finals. But if the finals, between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks, go to a seventh game, ESPN could have a dilemma to solve. Taylor’s contract with ESPN expires near the end of the finals, and to date the two sides are not close on a renewal.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/06/sports/basketball/rachel-nichols-espn-malika-andrews.html