The Latest: Judge tosses Bode Miller lawsuit against sponsor
VAL GARDENA, Italy (AP) — The Latest on Bode Miller's possible return to World Cup skiing, and his legal fight over sponsorship. (all times local):
7:45 p.m.
If Bode Miller wants to return to ski racing this season as he approaches the age of 40, he's going to have to show U.S. Ski Team head coach Sasha Rearick that he's still got the necessary speed.
"There's always a chance with Bode — always. But at this point right now we're not expecting a miracle return real quick," Rearick told The Associated Press on Friday.
Still, Rearick would not rule out a return for Miller this season, saying the six-time Olympic medalist could "possibly" race in January.
Miller has won 33 World Cup races but he has never won the famed Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbuehel, Austria, which is scheduled for Jan. 21.
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1:20 p.m.
A U.S. federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by Bode Miller that sought to release him from a partnership with ski manufacturer Head so he could compete with equipment for New York-based brand Bomber, which Miller helped develop.
U.S. District Judge David Carter in Santa Ana, California made the sweeping move Friday, ruling that Miller had no personal jurisdiction to sue the Austria-based Head in his court.
The decision came as Miller is positioning himself for a possible return to skiing at the World Cup next month, and was hoping to use Bomber skis.
Miller ended his nearly 10-year partnership with Head in 2015 and agreed not to wear a different brand in World Cup or world championship races for two years.
The lawsuit, filed in September, sought to release Miller from the deal, arguing that establishing a new sponsor was essential to his livelihood with little time left in his career.
Messages left seeking comment with attorneys for both sides were not immediately returned.
