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Update: Adam Rippon has pulled out of a deal that would have had him commentating on the Winter Olympics for NBC for the duration of the Games. Christine Brennan had the scoop:
After agreeing to an offer to work for NBC, Adam Rippon @Adaripp decided overnight that he would rather remain as an Olympian, source telling me. Didn’t want to
— Christine Brennan (@cbrennansports) February 19, 2018
relinquish his official Olympic standing, give up credential, move out of Team USA housing and miss closing ceremony.
Previously:
Adam Rippon didn’t take long to get his first big post-Olympic gig.
The figure skater who has captured America’s heart — in fact he calls himself “America’s Sweetheart” — has been hired by NBC as a commentator for the final week of the Olympics, as reported by USA Today’s Christine Brennan.
It’s a big step for both Rippon, a bronze medalist in these Olympics, and NBC. After totally owning the Olympics over the last week, there has been widespread speculation as to where Rippon could land his witty personality. NBC giving him a cross-platform gig will serve beautifully to help him cut his teeth in the media and fine tune his craft.
For its part, it’s been quite a gay 24 hours for NBC. After broadcasting the kiss between Gus Kenworthy and his boyfriend, NBC is sending a huge message about inclusion by hiring Rippon. Gay athletes now know that NBC is a place that will not discriminate against them in considering them for an on-air gig. While they still employ avowed anti-LGBT activist Tony Dungy, the statement hear is clear: If you’re gay (and with a big personality), we’re interested in hiring.
