Rachel Nichols apologizes to Maria Taylor on ESPN after video caused firestorm

Rachel Nichols apologized to ESPN colleague Maria Taylor on air Monday after a leaked audio clip revealed Nichols, who is white, complaining about Taylor, who is black, getting Nichols’ NBA Finals hosting gig last year for what she believed were “diversity” reasons.

“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 to open “The Jump” on ESPN 2. “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.” Former NBA players Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins, Nichols’ co-stars on “The Jump,” expressed support for Nichols.