Nicols tweeted the cancellation of his show after his audio leak
ESPN recently announced the cancellation of Rachel Nicols’ daytime show ‘The Jump’. It was also reported that ESPN is removing her from the entire network of the channel.
Shared by Sports Business Journal. David Roberts, senior vice president of the channel, has also shared his thoughts on this matter. According to him, they have mutually reached this conclusion. She also shared that Rachel is a wonderful reporter, host, and journalist. He also mentions that he is grateful for their contributions to the channel.
Rachel herself tweeted that ‘The Jump’ was never meant to last forever, but it sure was fun.
I have to create a full program and spend five years hanging out with some of my favorite people ❤️ talking about one of my favorite things 🏀 A big thank you to our amazing producers and crew – The Jump was never built to last forever, but sure that was fun. . 😎
More to come … pic.twitter.com/FPMFRlfJin– Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) August 25, 2021
Reason for cancellation, controversy
Last year, in July 2020, Rachel was on a call with Adam Mendelson, who is an advisor to LeBron James. On the call, Rachel says that her co-worker Maria Taylor has more and more opportunities because she is black. His comment referred to ESPN promoting diversity by giving Maria more roles on the channel. He’s been heard to say ‘a long-standing shitty track record on diversity’.
Apology in the air
Maria Taylor was named ESPN presenter before and after the game. According to Rachel, this role was given to Maria because of her race and not because of her talent. His call was being recorded by ESPN Connecticut headquarters. However, on the call, Rachel also mentions how she wishes Maria every success.
However, soon after this controversy came to light. Rachel apologized on the air to Maria and all the ESPN members. He shared how journalism teaches us not to be history. He also said that he is very apologetic for everything he said. And he respects all of his co-workers on ESPN and how much he especially regrets Maria for hurting her or others’ feelings.