ESPN announced that reporter Rachel Nichols was pulled off her 2021 NBA Finals duty following a leaked comment about an African-American colleague.

The New York Times revealed Sunday a conversation between Nichols and Adam Mendelsohn during the 2020 NBA season in Florida. Nichols was unaware that a camera in her hotel room was attached to a live microphone after a satellite broadcast.

Nichols was heard saying that her Black co-worker Maria Taylor was chosen by ESPN to host the NBA finals coverage only to showcase “diversity.”

“I wish Maria Taylor all the success in the world,” said Nichols. “She covers football, she covers basketball. If you (ESPN) need to give her more things to do because you are feeling pressure about your crappy longtime record on diversity, which, by the way, I know personally from the female side of it, like, go for it.”

She further stressed that the assignment to host the NBA Finals coverage is in her contract.

Nichols was replaced by Malika Andrews on the sidelines for the broadcast. ESPN confirmed that Nichols would continue to host her show, “The Jump.”

Rachel Nichols' opening comments on The Jump, reacting to the NY Times article. pic.twitter.com/KrICY2DePv

— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) July 5, 2021

let’s discuss rachel nichols….this is a tale as old as time 🤦🏽‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/t7Rv9t6EQI

— mariah rose (@mariahcrose) July 5, 2021

Breaking News: Rachel Nichols will not work as a sideline reporter for the NBA finals, ESPN said. She will be replaced by Malika Andrews. https://t.co/eGjcuMtFaN

— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 6, 2021

pic.twitter.com/IqAtaRatNH

— The Jump on ESPN (@NBATheJump) July 6, 2021

Inbox just now via ESPN:

Malika Andrews will replace Rachel Nichols on the sidelines for the NBA Finals.

“We believe this is the best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals. Rachel will continue to host The Jump.”

— Bobby Burack (@burackbobby_) July 6, 2021