Jalen Rose Lobbies For Maria Taylor to Get a Raise on 'NBA Countdown'
By Kyle Koster
The New York Post's Andrew Marchand gave an update on negotiations between Maria Taylor and ESPN, reporting today that the network initially offered the star a salary in the $5 million range, which has subsequently been reduced to $2 million -$3 million.
During pregame coverage of tonight's Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, Jalen Rose alluded to the story. While discussing Reggie Jackson's postseason run that will surely end in a large offseason deal, Jay Williams said "if you're great at what you do, you deserve the bag."
Rose's response? "If that's the case, Maria needs a raise."
Jalen Rose says Maria Taylor needs a raise on NBA countdown amid reports she turned down $5 million/yr contract extension from ESPN pic.twitter.com/k2VZfn1V61
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Taylor, seated just a few feet away, dove ahead reciting Jackson's impressive numbers before Rose expanded.
"You do. You got an MVP vote. You got a Heisman vote. The most unique talent in the game."
This continues a nice stretch of improv for the co-host of Jalen & Jacoby, who just last week got one in on Williams in connection to a social-media hullabaloo.
Let no one say he's not a supportive teammate.