ESPNs Rachel Nichols, the networks star basketball reporter embroiled in a hot mic scandal, wont be covering the NBA finals from the sidelines, the network said Tuesday.

We believe this is best decision for all concerned in order to keep the focus on the NBA Finals, ESPN said in a statement, adding that Nichols will remain as host of The Jump, the networks daily basketball show. The finals begin later on Tuesday between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks.

The decision follows a damning report in The New York Times revealing turmoil at ESPN over comments that Nichols, who is white, made last year in an accidental recording. In the footage obtained by the Times, Nichols complained about ESPN selecting Maria Taylor, another host who is Black, to host the July 2020 NBA Finals pre- and post-game shows, making her the face of the network during that period.