FIS concerned Miller's comments will hurt sport's image

FIS concerned Miller’s comments will hurt sport’s image{mosimage}ADELBODEN, Switzerland — The International Ski Federation wants the U.S. Ski Team to address the latest controversy surrounding outspoken reigning overall World Cup champion Bode Miller.

United States Skiing and Snowboard Association President and CEO Bill Marolt is expected to fly to this week’s World Cup races in Switzerland to speak to Miller, who said in a “60 Minutes” interview that partying affected his performance in the past.

U.S. alpine director Jesse Hunt, who was scheduled to join the team in Europe on Tuesday, moved his flight up a day.

“It’s up to his own federation to take action,” FIS secretary general Sarah Lewis said Sunday. “We have talked to the U.S. federation about it, whether what he is saying is good for the image of the sport and good for the image of the U.S. Ski Team.

“They say they are dealing with it. But with Bode they are on thin ice.”

“He is a charismatic personality that youngsters look up to and appreciate,” Lewis said before the full segment was aired. “He’s clearly outspoken, but these comments are going a bit too far. Is it something you really want kids to be doing? Skiing on the slopes after a few drinks?

“You’ve got to balance between what is cool and what’s stupid. This does not come across as too cool.”

– The Associated Press