Maria Taylor chucks deuces to ESPN after a controversial playoff season. The “NBA Countdown” host and mega sports broadcasting company ESPN could not come to an agreement to extend her contact so both parties have agreed to part ways. As a result, last nights NBA Playoff’s telecast wrapped up Taylor’s final assignment for the network.
ESPN may have dropped the ball by letting the talented and knowledgeable correspondent go but NBC Sports was quick to rebound the host. According to Front Office Sports, Taylor may be the new host “Football Night in America” as the current host, Mike Tirico, moves into the play-by-play post.
In a statement released by Taylor, she thanked “Jimmy (Pitaro, ESPN Chairman) 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.” she continues to say that “words are inadequate to express my boundless appreciation, and I hope to make them proud.”
The sportscasters departure is not one without controversy. In June, Taylors colleague Rachel Nichols was recorded whining about losing her NBA playoff finals commentating position to the fellow host.
ESPN’s chairman Pitaro also stated that “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.”
