updated 9:12 a.m. ET Jan. 25, 2006

Tim Nardiello may still coach at next month’s Turin Olympics.

He just won’t for the United States.

The U.S. Olympic Committee said Tuesday it will not allow Nardiello to coach the American skeleton team in Turin, despite his reinstatement by the sport’s national governing body after an arbitrator found no evidence to support claims he sexually harassed two team members.

The USOC said Nardiello failed to exercise appropriate judgment with his athletes, plus violated ethical codes and the USOC Code of Conduct.

“There has been a pattern of conduct on the part of Mr. Nardiello that simply does not meet the standard of what is acceptable for a coach with the United States Olympic Team,” said Jim Scherr, the USOC’s chief executive officer.

Nardiello said he was “baffled” by the USOC’s move. He could simply accept the USOC’s ruling, coach the U.S. team until the Olympics begin, appeal the decision, or even seek a coaching credential from another nation.

“I’m at ease,” Nardiello told The Associated Press. “At least I know what’s happening. It’s unfortunate. There’s obviously a political game going on that I don’t know about. They say I’m guilty of their whole book.”

In his letter to Nardiello, Scherr cited eight separate reasons for the decision — including Nardiello’s admitted violations of three sections of the USOC’s Coaches’ Code of Ethics. Those sections discuss rules prohibiting sex between coaches and athletes.

Nardiello is dating Kelly Moffat of New Zealand, one of four international competitors whom he helped coach this season and who recently retired as a competitor. The code says coaches “do not coach athletes with whom they have engaged in sexual intimacies” and coaches “should not engage in sexual intimacies with a former athlete for at least two years after cessation or termination of professional services.”

Scherr also had harsh words for the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, saying its actions were “equally troubling” because it “could have taken steps to address and correct this situation.”

“As a result, America’s skeleton athletes have had to deal with an unnecessary distraction during their preparation for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games, and that is unacceptable,” Scherr said.

The USBSF declined comment Tuesday night. Reached early Wednesday in Germany, the site of this weekend’s World Cup finale, members of the Olympic skeleton team expressed disappointment.

“It is unfortunate that Tim will not be with us, and it would be great to have him there,” said Katie Uhlaender, the only woman on the U.S. Olympic skeleton roster. “But this season has been full of surprises and crazy situations. It is nothing that our team can’t handle.”

Nardiello was suspended by the USBSF on Dec. 31 over allegations he sexually harassed two national team members. When an arbitrator announced Monday he found those claims without merit, the USBSF allowed Nardiello’s return.

But the USOC — which has final say over the Olympic delegation — still denied Nardiello a credential.

Nardiello’s suspension came after longtime team member Felicia Canfield wrote the USBSF’s board of directors alleging he tried to kiss her, touch her inappropriately and made comments of a sexual nature to her and other female athletes.

Another claim was filed by Marsha Gale, the mother of 2002 Olympic gold medalist Tristan Gale. Marsha Gale also said Nardiello made inappropriate comments, plus urged the board to dismiss him because he’s dating a competitor from New Zealand.

“She was doing what a mother does, trying to make sure she was doing the best for her daughter,” Tristan Gale said before the USOC’s ruling.

Some Nardiello supporters say the accusations stemmed from Canfield and Tristan Gale not making the Olympic team. Tristan Gale denies that, and said that Nardiello could have been an effective Olympic coach.

“The group that we have going are great athletes and great drivers and the head coach’s position is to support them,” Tristan Gale said. “And as long as they feel supported by Tim, he probably can do a great job there with that group.”

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

But that group — Zach Lund, Kevin Ellis, Eric Bernotas and Uhlaender — will be without Nardiello.

The USBSF has until Thursday to pick its Olympic coach. Orvie Garrett, named the interim coach after Nardiello’s suspension, is a favorite for the job.

Meanwhile, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation lifted Lund’s suspension Tuesday, one day after he was publicly warned — but not suspended — by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency over a failed drug test earlier this season.

But the FIBT also said the World Anti-Doping Agency is reviewing USADA’s decision “for a possible appeal.” Lund tested positive for finasteride, the main ingredient in a common hair-restoration product that also can be used as a steroid-masking agent.

Lund was the World Cup points leader before missing the last two races following the FIBT’s suspension. He has rejoined the team, but isn’t expected to race this weekend.

Skeleton athletes slide headfirst on a sled at more than 70 mph on the track used for bobsled and luge.

MORE FROM BOBSLED, LUGE, SKELETON

Bobsled, luge, skeleton Section Front

Retired Hays heading back to football Texan Hays retires after finishing 7th It was all downhill for U.S. sliding teams Celizic: America's top 10 Olympic busts Medal winners, complete results A closer look at bobsled, luge, skeleton U.S. bobsled roster U.S. luge roster U.S. skeleton roster Bobsled, luge, skeleton Section Front   Add Bobsled, luge, skeleton headlines to your news reader: