Malika Andrews will handle the sideline duties at the NBA Finals after ESPN pulled Rachel Nichols amid her leaked audio controversy.
In a statement, ESPN said:
We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host ‘The Jump.’
Rachel’s spot was blown up when audio of her talking greasy about the network’s decision to use Maria Taylor in the 2020 Finals production was leaked.
RELATED: Twitter Drags ESPN’s Rachel Nichols Over Leaked Audio About Her Colleague Maria Taylor
On Monday’s episode of “The Jump,” Rachel Nichols issued the following apology:
I also 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 a part of this team.
Watch the apology below.
Apparently, the apology wasn’t enough to settle the dust.
Malika Andrews will join an on-air team that includes Mike Been, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mark Jackson to cover the action courtside from Phoenix and Milwaukee.
Maria Taylor will be seen before each game on “NBA Countdown” with Jalen Rose, Jay Williams, and Adrian Wojnarowski.
Your thoughts?
Source: Variety
