Bode Miller Might Make a Comeback, Sues Head Skis

This shot was taken from the edge of the track in the Giant Slalom in 2006. Photo by Thomas Grollier.

Last week, retired World Champion ski racer Bode Miller filed a lawsuit against his former sponsor Head USA.

According to Courthouse News, 38-year-old Miller is considering making a comeback this year, but his termination agreement with Head USA has a covenant that Miller can’t compete unless he uses Head skis, boots, and poles. This is a problem for Miller because after he and Head went their separate ways in 2015, Miller joined forces with Bomber Skis, a New York based brand which he is now an ambassador for.

Miller has asked the court to overturn that covenant so that he could have the option of competing again in this year’s season—which begins on October 23 in Austria—on Bomber Skis.

Miller left the U.S. Ski Team in 2006 and signed his initial contract with an independent sponsor, Head USA. Miller stayed with Head until he suffered a season-ending injury in 2015. That injury prompted his retirement.

Now, Miller’s exploring his options. 

According to NBC Sports, court documents state:

“Since retiring from professional racing and no longer being as visible in the public eye, Bode’s ability to make money through endorsements has been greatly reduced. Bode realized that his viability and marketability as a professional ski racer were rapidly dwindling, and that he needed to explore the possibility of coming out of retirement so that he could obtain quality endorsements to protect his family’s financial future. Bode discussed his financial concerns with [Bomber owner Robert] Siegel, and, in particular, the two discussed the possibility that Bode would return to racing in the 2016/2017 World Cup and World Championship season. … At age 39, it is likely Bode’s last real opportunity to competitively compete on the World Cup racing circuit and attract the lucrative endorsements needed to provide for his family.”

Head released its official statement on their Facebook page this morning:

OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING THE LAWSUIT OF BODE MILLER AND HEAD

HEAD has been sued by Bode Miller, whereby Bode Miller is contesting his obligations pursuant to the termination of his endorsement agreement with HEAD in 2015. Bode Miller told HEAD he would finally retire from ski racing but asked a personal favour that his contract would be terminated a year early such that he could enter into an endorsement contract with another ski company for his personal gain. HEAD agreed with his manager to release him from his contract based on his unequivocal intention to stop ski racing, and on the condition that in the event that he changed his mind he agreed not to compete in World Cup or World Championship racing until the end of the 2016/17 season on any other equipment than HEAD skis, boots and bindings. Bode Miller agreed to this as is stipulated in the termination agreement. Notwithstanding the terms of the termination agreement, Bode Miller recently announced that he would breach this agreement. HEAD will be seeking to have Bode honour his contractual commitments and is fully behind him skiing competitively this season, on Head skis, as he is obligated to do.

Johan Eliasch, chairman and CEO of HEAD stated: ‘I am truly very disappointed to see that Bode has no intention to honour his word and that he intends to breach our agreement to that effect. We will take every action to enforce our rights against Bode. That said, HEAD would welcome Bode's return to World Cup racing, but it has to be on HEAD equipment.'

Rainer Salzgeber, director of the HEAD Ski Race Team added: 'Of course I would like to see Bode racing again, but it has to be on HEAD equipment.

Miller is the most successful male ski racer of all time. He was a World Cup Champion in 2003 and 2005, and has received six Olympic medals including one gold. If Miller competes this year, he will be one of the oldest ski racers in the game.

About The Author

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stash member Leslie Hittmeier

Leslie is a freelance writer and photographer. Storytelling is her focus and she spends her time following badass skiers and climbers around in their natural habitats. As an obsessed skier and climber herself, she plays and trains in the Tetons.