The ESPN scandal involving Rachel Nichols has gotten a bit out of control over the past few days. After the news broke of her rather controversial phone conversation (in which she expressed frustration over Maria Taylor’s coverage of the 2020 NBA Finals), people quickly began to call her out online, and the network responded by pulling her from the 2021 Finals coverage as well.
Now, completely unsubstantiated rumors are surfacing of Nichols’ possible involvement with Jimmy Butler and Ersan Ilyasova in the bubble.
Again, there is no substance to these claims, and it’s probably really just about some fans letting off steam towards someone they’re clearly frustrated with.
KAT telling Jimmy Butler “Call Rachel Nichols” hits different now pic.twitter.com/2n7hwgz8eC
— ً (@3randyn) July 6, 2021
https://twitter.com/itslejon_brames/status/1412307067789103107
Jimmy Butler got with Rachel Nichols in the bubble?! No wonder why my nigga was tired pic.twitter.com/WoOjl8L2OC
— Dami (@KingDami5299) July 6, 2021
https://twitter.com/azsworld37/status/1412335664436322304https://twitter.com/SunsPlayoffSZN/status/1412304524182659076
The NBA Twitterverse is really having a good time with all the rumors, and it’s probably best if Nichols stays off the platform for a while.
In all seriousness, though, this type of behavior can be really damaging, especially to someone with a husband and family. Despite whatever feelings you have about the situation, it’s always important to remember how Tweets and posts online might impact those who are being targeted.
Hopefully, the whole situation will blow over soon, and this big scandal will fade into the past. But it will forever stand as a testament to just how unforgiving and damaging the internet can be.
