Before the 2021 NBA Finals, it was not Chris Paul, Giannis Antetokounmpo or any player that made headlines. Instead, the story became Rachel Nichols and Maria Taylor as they figured in some work issues with ESPN. Commissioner Adam Silver, for his part, couldn't help but address the situation as well.

For those who are unaware, Nichols made headlines when an audio of her questioning Taylor getting her 2020 NBA Finals sideline reporting job was leaked. While some said it is common workplace jealousy or rivalry, the fact that Nichols brought in the “diversity” aspect didn't sit well with a lot of people.

“I wish Maria Taylor all the success in the world—she covers football, she covers basketball,” Nichols said in the audio. “If you 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. Just find it somewhere else. You are not going to find it from me or taking my thing away.”

Adam Silver, during his press conference ahead of the NBA Finals, then shared his thoughts on the  ongoing issue and expressed how “disheartening” it is to see such problem arise.

“It's particularly unfortunate that two women in the industry are pitted against each other,” Silver said, per Mark Medina of USA Today. “Both Rachel and Maria are terrific at what they do. They work extraordinarily hard.”

Amid the issue, Rachel Nichols has been replaced by Malika Andrews as sideline reporter for the Milwaukee Bucks-Phoenix Suns NBA Finals series. Nichols has since apologized for the controversy it caused, though it remains a big talk in the media.