Weeks After ESPN Fires Multiple NBA Millionaires, LeBron James Accused of Influencing Decisions Years Before for Rachel Nichols

Published 10/06/2023, 9:20 AM EDT

Michelle Beadle was a household name in the NBA community. Her dramatic departure as host from the NBA Countdown in 2019 left fans wondering what had gone down behind doors. Stephen A. Smith’s ex-colleague was replaced by Rachel Nichols. Amidst the firing of quite a few NBA millionaires over the recent months, Michelle’s story has popped up again. Well, according to her, it seems her exit was a strategic move propelled by two people in particular.

Michelle has opened up to Brandon Kleen of the Awful Announcing Podcast about her exit. Although the pull-out was turbulent, she admits that she did have some well-wishers. She says, “I don’t think they replaced me immediately and that, that was I guess somebody’s way of kind of having my back.”

LeBron James used his position to get what he wanted

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In the interview, Michelle shares her thoughts on LeBron James‘ attempt to have her removed. “He wanted me replaced,” she tells Brandon. “He’s a powerful dude; I mean, there’s no getting around that. He’s an empire and an entity upon himself.” She agrees with Brandon’s conclusion that Bron wanted her gone because she “joined a cast of millions in mocking ‘The decision‘”. The decision here takes us back to 2010 when LeBron decided to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers, his hometown team, and join the Miami Heat.

Upon being asked if she had already been aware of LeBron’s scheme to have her replaced, Michelle admits that she came to know of his involvement only after everything settled.

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Months After Firing 20 Millionaires, ESPN Set to Have Similar Turmoil for Stephen A. Smith’s Other Colleagues, per Sources

She says, “After I left, all this other information started coming out. So, I kinda knew I’d gotten wind of it right as I was leaving, and then more stuff came out.” According to Michelle’s books, there appears to be another culprit.

The Role of Rachel Nichols

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Michelle was straightforward and upfront about her thoughts on Rachel, “We were civil; uh some people I don’t trust in this business. That’s one of them.” Rachel was later fired from ESPN for leaking a private conversation. However, Michelle alleges Rachel’s involvement in her leaving NBA Countdown.

Hinting at it she says, “She ultimately is not that powerful but I think some of the narrative that was being allowed to be played out like specifically in the New York Post at the time, you know.” She adds, “I knew where it was coming from. We all knew where it was coming from and it wasn’t being stopped which is unfortunate.”

NBA Countdown has had hosts before Beadle, who herself took over from Sage Steele as host. She however affirms that choices should be made based on merit and without backstabbing. Replacing Sage was not the consequence of any campaign on her side, she said.

Watch This Story: Fired From Their Jobs, Multiple NBA Millionaires Get No Sympathy From a Cold Shaquille O’Neal Who Asked Lakers for $25 Million

Although it is unclear whether Michelle and Rachel are on good terms, Michelle admits to forgiving LeBron. “Oh, he sent me so many flowers,” the former Countdown host had to say. “How could I not forgive him?”

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Written by:

Tsuktibenla T Jamir is an NBA author at EssentiallySports. Armed with a Masters in Journalism from the prestigious Delhi School of Journalism, this Nagaland native combines her academic prowess with her passion for the game to craft compelling narratives that bring the NBA to life. She finds immense joy in dissecting the journeys of the athletes who make the game larger than life.

Edited by:

Bilal Handoo

Weeks After ESPN Fires Multiple NBA Millionaires, LeBron James Accused of Influencing Decisions Years Before for Rachel Nichols

LeBron James used his position to get what he wanted

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The Role of Rachel Nichols