For Immediate Release:

Thursday, January 5, 2006

Contact: Tom LaDue

Public and Media Relations Director

United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation

(518) 523-1842 ext. 106

Lake Placid, New York - At a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation held on Wednesday January 4th, 2006, several measures were approved relating to its handling of the sexual harassment allegations levied against Skeleton Head Coach Tim Nardiello.

In order to assist the four-person panel of members of the Board of Directors in its internal investigation, the Board has voted to retain the services of independent fact-finding investigators associated with the American Arbitration Association. While the investigation is continuing, Coach Nardiello will remain on administrative leave with pay and will not be accompanying the World Cup skeleton team to Europe for the next race. Current United States team driving coach, Orvie Garrett, will act as interim head skeleton coach beginning with the upcoming World Cup race in Konigssee, Germany, and Greg Sand will remain the assistant coach. Lea Ann Parsley, 2002 Olympic Silver Medalist, who assisted in coaching the American team this past December, has been added to the coaching staff as its new driving coach. The Federation has also agreed to retain the services of local counsel to represent its interests in the matter.

“We are taking these actions with the intent of moving the investigation process forward as quickly as is reasonably possible for the benefit of all persons and parties concerned ” stated USBSF President Jim Shea Sr. “It is a top priority to ensure and maintain a safe and fair environment for all of our athletes, coaches, staff and members of the Federation. We, as a Federation, take these allegations seriously and are looking for a fair, just and complete investigation to the allegations levied. ”

As of this point in time, the USBSF will not make any further comments relating to the sexual harassment allegations against Skeleton Head Coach Tim Nardiello. More information will be released once its investigation is concluded or as circumstances dictate otherwise.