Adam Rippon says he actually won't be an Olympics correspondent for NBC

Jack Baer
·Staff writer

It seemed like a match made in television heaven. Figure skater Adam Rippon, one of the breakout stars of the Olympics for his statements and charisma both on and off the ice, was reportedly going to join NBC’s Olympics team as a correspondent.

Alas, it appears Rippon will be staying put in the Olympic Village, for very valid reasons. The figure skater joined NBC’s “Olympic Ice” program and indicated he had something he wanted to clear up.

“I am so flattered NBC wanted me as a correspondent, but if I took this opportunity, I would have to leave the Olympic team and I would have to leave the village. It’s so important to me, I worked so hard to be on this Olympic team. My teammates and friends were there for me during my events and that meant so much to me, that I really feel I need to be there for them during their events as well.”

Well, there you go. Rippon will not be an NBC correspondent so he can continue supporting his friends and teammates who are still competing in the Olympics. Joining NBC would have meant moving out of the Olympic Village and likely not being able to participate as an athlete in the Closing Ceremony.

Rippon later detailed the circumstances behind his decision on Twitter, claiming he only found out about NBC’s offer through Twitter.

Rippon has not stopped making headlines since he arrived in PyeongChang. The 28-year-old trained endlessly to make the Olympic team after missing out on the Sochi Games, then performed a dazzling free skate to help Team USA earn bronze in the team competition.

Adam Rippon performs his short program at the PyeongChang Olympics. (AP Photo)
Adam Rippon performs his short program at the PyeongChang Olympics. (AP Photo)

In singles competition, Rippon’s short program topped any performance on the American team and he eventually finished 10th after the free skate. Off the ice, Rippon has been outspoken as one of two openly gay male athletes on Team USA, refusing to meet Vice President Mike Pence and speaking out against school shootings in the aftermath of the tragedy in Parkland, Florida. This has predictably brought him more than his fair share of haters.

Rippon has stayed in the news since his competitions ended, giving crazy interviews and finally finding a stiff drink. Though he won’t be a part of the news now.

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