Skater Rippon changes mind, won't join NBC's Olympics coverage

9:15 P.M. UPDATE: 

American figure skater Adam Rippon agreed to become an NBC correspondent for the duration of the Olympic games, but then changed his mind overnight.

He told NBCSN on Sunday that he was flattered by the offer, "but if I took this opportunity, I would have to leave the Olympic team and I would have to leave the (Olympic) Village." He said his friends on the Olympic team were there for him during his events and he wanted to return the favor.

Rippon attracted attention for his colorful and candid interviews, and his apparent ease with the medium.

- Associated Press

ORIGINAL STORY:

Adam Rippon skated – and quipped – his way into millions of American hearts during the Winter Olympics, but his Games aren’t over yet.

The Scranton figure skater joined NBC Sports’ coverage of the PyeongChang games on Sunday as a correspondent.

Rippon was part of the bronze-medal winning U.S. figure skating team and finished 10th in the men’s individual event.

But his effusive personality and social media presence – not to mention being the first openly gay athlete on a U.S. Winter Olympic team – have drawn a large following for the 28-year-old.

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