After Rachel Nichols’ racist rant left her in hot water, she used her show “The Jump” to share a brief apology to Maria Taylor.
The New York Times wrote a piece about a leaked tape in which Nichols claimed Maria Taylor was only hired to do “NBA Countdown” because she fulfills a diversity quota. Many employees within ESPN were outraged by the news, although Nichols has seen support from the likes of Stephen Jackson and Kendrick Perkins.
Many were curious as to whether Nichols would address the controversy. Eventually, Nichols did just that on her show “The Jump.”
She kept it brief as she didn’t want to take away from the NBA Finals, so she apologized to Taylor in the first 30 seconds, and allowed Perkins to speak next, who praised Nichols for owning up to her error.
Related Story: Rachel Nichols Caught On Video Whining Maria Taylor Got Job Because She’s Black
“So the first thing they teach you in journalism school is don’t be the story, and I don’t plan to break that rule today or distract from a fantastic Finals,” Nichols said. “But 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 part of this outstanding team.”
Watch the full apology here:
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta1) July 5, 2021
Since her apology, Twitter users have popped up to leave their thoughts.
let’s discuss rachel nichols….this is a tale as old as time 🤦🏽♀️ pic.twitter.com/t7Rv9t6EQI
— mariah rose (@mariahcrose) July 5, 2021
Rachel Nichols apology pic.twitter.com/dzd2qHnAiw
— kyle (@knicks_tape99) July 5, 2021
Rachel Nichols’ father-in-law was Mike Nichols, a MAJOR stage & film director.
Her mother-in-law is Diane Sawyer.
So if we wanna talk “diversity hires” how diverse are trust fund kids given jobs at publishing houses, film studios and news orgs because of their last names?
— Torraine Walker (@TorraineWalker) July 5, 2021
