Weir, Lipinski, Belbin Join NBC's On-Air Sochi Games Coverage

NBC Sports Group today announced that former U.S. Winter Olympians Johnny Weir, Tara Lipinski and Tanith Belbin will join NBC Olympics' on-air team for coverage of the '14 Sochi Games. Weir and Lipinski will serve as figure skating analysts, while Belbin will be a reporter for NBC Olympics' Sports Desk and will present features for the 30-minute daily show "The Olympic Zone" (NBC Sports).

Weir appeared on NBC's "Today" to announce his retirement from competitive skating and his joining NBC. Weir said as a "gay American," he feels Russia's anti-gay legislation is "a terrible thing." Weir: "I plan to be there in full support of our brothers and sisters there and not be afraid. ... Our presence is needed and for all the Olympians that work so hard, a boycott is just the worst thing you can do to all these young people" (NBC, 10/23).