As is the case with all athletes, coaches and support personnel who comprise the U.S. Olympic Delegation, Crow’s appointment must receive final approval from the USOC Board of Directors or other appropriate group.

The USOC Executive Committee considered the matter during two teleconference calls this week and cited the following factors in reaching the decision:

1) The National Governing Body for the sport of synchronized swimming, U.S. Synchronized Swimming, formally nominated Crow as a candidate for the U.S. Olympic Team on March 10, 2004. In so doing, the NGB certified she is a member in good standing and has not violated the organization’s Code of Ethics or Code of Conduct.

2) There does not appear to be a violation of the USOC’s Code of Conduct, Constitution and Bylaws, the Olympic Charter or the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act.

3) No member of U.S. Synchronized Swimming has formally opposed the nomination of Crow as a candidate for the U.S. Olympic Team, as provided for under the applicable USOC Code of Conduct grievance procedures, and her nomination is supported by her coaches and teammates.

4) A review of documents related to or filed in connection with the automobile accident that occurred on February 16, 2003; the no contest plea entered by Crow before the Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne, on January 5, 2004; and the misdemeanor sentence issued by Judge Eleanor Provost on January 23, 2004, along with the contents of the court file.

5) A review of documents submitted by U.S. Synchronized Swimming, Crow, her legal counsel, coaches, teammates, clergy and friends.

6) A written statement provided by Crow to the USOC Executive Committee.

Statement from USOC Acting President Bill Martin:
“This is a tragic situation that has forever changed the lives of all those involved, and the United States Olympic Committee extends its deepest sympathies to the families of Brett Slinger and Cody Tatro. I am certain that as our team enters the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece for the Opening Ceremony, Brett and Cody will be with us in spirit.

“The USOC Executive Committee gave this matter careful consideration before reaching its decision. We heard many different points of view. We reviewed documents related to the traffic accident, the legal proceedings, and the many letters of support written by friends, teammates and coaches of Tammy Crow. We considered the decision made by Judge Provost to have Tammy begin serving her sentence on October 25, 2004.

“During our deliberations, it became clear that, despite the tragic result of the auto accident that occurred on February 16, 2003, there is currently no basis within the applicable rules and procedures of U.S. Synchronized Swimming and the USOC to not submit Tammy Crow to the Board of Directors for appointment to the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team.

“We recognize it is an honor and a privilege to represent our country in the Olympic Games. We recognize this honor carries with it a great deal of responsibility. Having spoken to Tammy and the leadership of her National Governing Body, we are confident she is aware of this responsibility and will not take it lightly.”