UPDATE, 8:45: ESPN anchor Maria Taylor has lastly spoken out in the wake of the controversy surrounding remarks made about her by fellow employee Rachel Nichols.
Taylor published to Twitter a message that didnt address Nichols, but alluded to “dark times” She kept her message upbeat and favorable and accompanied it with delighted photos from her task.
” During the dark times I constantly keep in mind that I remain in this position to open doors and light the course that others stroll down. Ive taken some punches however that just indicates Im still in the battle. Keep in mind to lift as you climb up and always KEEP RISING.”

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Nichols has actually openly said sorry to Taylor for her remarks, which were captured on video without her understanding.
UPDATED, 10:30 a.m: After 3 days of turmoil, ESPN announced Tuesday that Maria Taylor will be hosting the networks pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals. Those responsibilities have been at the center of a controversy including comments made by Rachel Nichols, host of ESPNs The Jump, about Taylor possibly assuming that function.

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Social media reaction to Jacksons post sent his name trending on Twitter shortly thereafter.
PREVIOUSLY on July 4: Disparaging comments made by ESPN host Rachel Nichols and dripped from a tape-recorded phone conversation are reportedly causing an outcry at the sports network.
The New York Times is reporting information of a leaked Nichols discussion with Adam Mendelsohn, a consultant to LeBron James and his representative Rich Paul. In the talk, Mendelsohn alerted Nichols that ESPN is a “snake pit,” and she should be careful.
In the New York Times story, an audio clip taken from a video has Nichols, who is white, exasperated over Maria Taylor, who is Black, being given NBA Finals hosting responsibilities in 2015. Nichols is the host of the everyday NBA show The Jump, while Taylor is an expert and host in several sports.
” I want Maria Taylor all the success in the world– she covers football, she covers basketball,” Nichols stated. “If you require to provide her more things to do because you are feeling pressure about your lousy longtime record on variety– which, by the way, I understand personally from the female side of it– like, go for it.
” I simply want them to go elsewhere– its in my contract, by the method; this task remains in my agreement in writing,” she said.
The Times reported that several ESPN employees who are Black believe the discussion indicates that things said in private show a non-supportive mindset toward them thats never ever publicly specified.
” Those same people– who are, like, generally white conservative male Trump voters– is part of the reason Ive had a hard time at ESPN,” Nichols stated on tape. I dont want to then be a victim of them trying to play catch-up for the very same damage that impacted me in the very first place, you understand what I suggest.
ESPN decreased to comment to the Times, and Taylor has actually not reacted.
Nichols stated in the story she was expressing herself to a pal about her aggravation, not with Taylor, but ESPN.
” My own intentions because discussion, and the viewpoint of those in charge at ESPN, are not the sum of what matters here– if Maria felt the conversation was disturbing, then it was, and I was the reason for that for her,” she said.
Taylor is currently negotiating for a brand-new contract, and apparently desires to be among the highest-paid characters at the network. Her current deal expires July 20.

Previously in the day, another in some cases visitor on The Jump, former NBA gamer Stephen Jackson, posted a series of videos to Instagram defending Nichols.
” We all ramble,” stated Jackson in the video. “We state things when we are disappointed. And you understand, Rachel [Nichols] did be worthy of that job. Its easy and just plain. I talked with Rachel and I know a lot of things she was stating out of aggravation because ESPN put her in a bad position. And they even put Maria [Taylor] in a position attempting to give her a compassion job.”.

Jefferson, also a previous NBA champ, said he totally supported Taylor and that, even after understanding Nichols for 20 years. “We state things when we are annoyed. I talked to Rachel and I know a lot of things she was stating out of disappointment since ESPN put her in a bad position.” I wish Maria Taylor all the success in the world– she covers football, she covers basketball,” Nichols stated.” Those very same individuals– who are, like, normally white conservative male Trump citizens– is part of the factor Ive had a hard time at ESPN,” Nichols stated on tape.

Rachel Nichols opening talk about Mondays live episode of “The Jump”: pic.twitter.com/VpI826k0pp.
— Meg Turner (@megnturner_) July 5, 2021.

ESPN likewise stated that Nichols no longer will be the networks sideline press reporter for the Finals, a position she held last year and throughout huge video games this season. That function will go to the networks NBA press reporter, Malika Andrews.
Nichols, who is white, was heard on a video revealing exasperation over Taylor, who is Black, being provided NBA Finals hosting tasks last year. The personal remarks were recorded by a live internal feed and ended up being the basis for a New York Times story this weekend.
The Jump host asked forgiveness Monday, and several previous players-turned-analysts spoke up on her behalf, however ESPN chose Taylor for the 2nd straight year as the face of its Finals shows. Taylor will host alongside experts Jalen Rose and Jay Williams and ace NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski.
The networks release makes brief mention of Nichols, stating she will be “on site throughout NBA Finals for weekday shows” of The Jump.
Taylors ascension may put pressure on the network in another way, however. If the series goes to a seventh video game, the Times reports, Taylors contract with ESPN “expires near the end of the finals, and to date the 2 sides are not close on a renewal.”
The NBA Finals start tonight with the Milwaukee Bucks facing the Phoenix Suns at 9 p.m. ET.

PREVIOUSLY, July 5: One day after personal comments made by ESPN host Rachel Nichols about network colleague Maria Taylor were the focus of a New York Times report, triggering an uproar, Nichols provided an apology at the top of her popular NBA program, The Jump, on Monday. (Nichols informed the Times that she reached out to Taylor via call and text, however did not get a reaction.).
In location of her generally NBA-centric monologue on Monday, Nichols stated:.
The very first thing they teach you in journalism school is do not be the story, and I dont plan to break that rule today or distract from a wonderful Finals. However I likewise dont want to let this moment pass without saying how much I regard, just how much I value our associates here at ESPN, how deeply, deeply sorry I am for frustrating those I injure, particularly Maria Taylor, and how grateful I am to be part of this exceptional group.
Nichols then threw to previous players Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson, who are routine guests on the program.
Perkins thanked Nichols for “taking obligation for your actions,” before giving her an endorsement of sorts with, “I know your heart, great individual, terrific specific.” The previous NBA champ then likewise applauded Taylor prior to ending with, “My only hope is that we have a commitment total to support each other through this procedure and continue to support each other through our journey.”.
Jefferson, also a previous NBA champion, stated he fully supported Taylor and that, even after understanding Nichols for 20 years. “Rachel and our whole group here have actually had some very tough conversations over this time period, and those conversations do not end here. We will continue to have unpleasant discussions. Nobody is excused,” continued Jefferson. This does not just go away. But we have to discover and comprehend and progress for each other, and actually through our actions more than anything, which is our duty.”.