My guess is it would be the same with Miller, even though he has received far more TV time than the Mahres ever did.

What I find interesting is that his sponsors, most notably Nike and Barella pasta, have, in a way, condoned his drinking and skiing. In a rather contrite statement, a Nike representative said drinking and skiing isn't condoned, but said nothing about asking Miller to reform, at least while racing.

Barella simply said it was standing behind Miller.

The threat of a loss of sponsorship, I'm sure, would carry far more weight than a mere request from a coach.

The problem isn't that Miller parties way into the morning hours or that he drinks, heavily at times. It's his choice. But, it's not too much to expect him, while a member of the U.S. Ski Team, which is supported by public donations and has made it possible for him to become one of the best skiers in the world, to be at his best in the start gate.

Miller is, unquestionably, a great skier. And, he is considered America's greatest hope in the upcoming Olympics. And it could well happen, if he choose to leave the bota bag at home.

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com