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Phineas
01-12-2006, 12:46 PM
JANUARY 12, 2006
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Juliann Fritz, jfritz@ussa.org

USSA STATEMENT ON BODE MILLER PRESS CONFERENCE

WENGEN, Switzerland (Jan. 12) – The following statement was
released by U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO
Bill Marolt in follow-up to Bode Miller’s Jan. 12 press
conference in Wengen.

I had a great meeting with Bode in Wengen this week. I was
struck by the concern he felt about the impact his comments had
on his family, kids, and others who look up to him –
and that he took full responsibility for what he said.

Bode is a charismatic and free-spirited individual – that’s what
has made him an exciting personality and a great athlete. Family
and kids are important to him. Even as a major sports hero he
still spends time with kids at events. And he recognizes the
responsibility he has inherited, maybe now more than ever
before.

Bode and his teammates have a great athletic opportunity here in
Wengen this weekend. And we look forward to watching Bode and the
entire Team head to Torino next month.

Press Conference Transcript:
WENGEN, Switzerland (Jan. 12) – Following is a transcript of
Bode Miller’s Jan. 12 press conference at the World Cup press
center in Wengen.

The reason I wanted to do a press conference like this is so
there is no misunderstanding and everything will be really
clear, and everyone will have the same story about how I feel
about the comments.

First of all, I want to come straight out and apologize to my
family and friends. We have a lot of people who have supported
me on the Team for a long time who are subject to only what the
media puts out in America. Because of the way I made the
comments in the 60 Minutes interview, it caused a lot of pain
for those people. And I want to apologize to them.

And secondly, to the people I don’t have any direct contact
with, the kids and the fans and parents who are trying to put
all the athletes up on a pedestal and show their kids what
they’re supposed to be like. The message that came through is
not what I’m about in any way in my sporting career. Those who
have watched me and know me know that I don’t put anything in
front of my sporting career in terms of taking sport and my
career seriously.

Finally, I want to apologize to the media. I haven’t been
speaking to you very much and I think you know why. What I have
to say is very complicated. The more simple thoughts you can
read on my face and by watching me ski. And I encourage you guys
to watch. I’ve demonstrated my patience and given a lot of
myself. It hasn’t been a really positive experience for me but
I’ve learned. And I apologize for being the athlete who isn’t
giving out a lot of interviews lately.