Maria Taylor and ESPN are calling it quits after the two sides could not agree on contract terms.
Taylor’s last assignment for the network was Tuesday night’s Game 6, in which the Milwaukee Bucks won their first title in 50 years.
According to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, Taylor is headed to NBC, where she will help in Olympic coverage and possibly “Football Night in America, and Notre Dame football coverage.
ESPN has been under fire for its handling of comments about Taylor by colleague Rachal Nichols which were revealed in a New York Times article.
Taylor and Jimmy Pitaro, chairman for ESPN, released a joint statement on her departure stating:
ESPN and Maria Taylor jointly announced today that after much discussion, an agreement on a contract extension could not be reached. As a result, Maria’s last assignment for ESPN was last night’s NBA Finals telecast.
Taylor thanked her colleagues and ESPN.
“So thankful to Jimmy and all of my great teammates and friends at the SEC Network, College GameDay, Women’s and Men’s college basketball, and the NBA Countdown family — the people who believed in me encouraged me, pushed me, and lifted me up. Words are inadequate to express my boundless appreciation, and I hope to make them proud.”
Pitaro gave accolades to Taylor.
“Maria’s remarkable success speaks directly to her abilities and work ethic. There is no doubt we will miss Maria, but we remain determined to continue to build a deep and skilled talent roster that thoroughly reflects the athletes we cover and the fans we serve. While she chose to pursue a new opportunity, we are proud of the work we’ve done together.”
Taylor hosted the network’s pregame and halftime shows for the NBA Finals, while Nichols was replaced as the sideline reporter by Malika Andrews.
Taylor has not responded to Nichols’ apologies, but she did post a message on social media in early July concerning the controversy.
“During the dark times, I always remember that I am in this position to open doors and light the path that others walk down. I’ve taken some punches, but that just means I’m still in the fight. Remember to lift as you climb and always KEEP RISING.”