ESPN dumps Rachel Nichols from NBA Finals sideline reporter duties over comments about fellow host Maria Taylor

ESPN has sidelined Rachel Nichols for the NBA Finals. The World Wide Leader announced its broadcast lineup for the Finals — without Nichols in her usual role as sideline reporter — less than nine hours before the Bucks and Suns play Game 1 in Phoenix Tuesday night. Nichols will be replaced by Malika Andrews, but will continue to host “The Jump” on-site during the week. “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,” ESPN said in a statement. Nichols was caught on video in July 2020 suggesting that fellow ...