Apologies from Bode Miller

(ATR) U.S. alpine skier Bode Miller has offered an apology for comments he made in a TV interview about competing while under the influence, perhaps saving his spot on the U.S. Olympic team for Turin.

"I want to come straight out and apologize to my family and friends and also the people who have supported me along the way," said Miller to a horde of media in Wengen, Switzerland, where he is competing this week.

"Because of the way I made those comments in the 60 Minutes interview, it caused a lot of confusion and pain."

"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," he said.

Miller spoke for just 2 1/2 minutes and took no questions from the media, which numbered about 50.

While Miller stopped short of recanting his comments, the apologies could be enough to keep him on the U.S. team for the Turin Olympics, now just under one month away.

Miller spoke to the media after a private meeting with Bill Marolt, president of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. Marolt flew to Switzerland hours after the TV broadcast, labeling as "inacceptable" Miller's admission.

While Miller's sponsors have said that they are standing by the athletes, the USSA has supposedly been besieged by complaints from donors and other supporter that Miller was out of line.

Miller, 28, won two silver medals in Salt Lake City and was World Cup champion in 2005.