"This confirms what we had been told by many members of the International Olympic Committee, which is that the vote in Singapore was extremely close and there may have been confusion on the part of some voters.  This also underscores our belief that the IOC, consistent with the spirit of fairness it has always shown, should reconsider this decision.

The United States Olympic Committee will continue to work to see that softball is reinstated to the Olympic Program.  We cannot allow the Olympic dreams of women and girls worldwide to be put in jeopardy by a vote that was this close.

The International Olympic Committee is to be commended for the significant steps it has taken to increase opportunities for women and girls to participate in Olympic sport.  However, the decision to remove softball from the Olympic Program stands in stark contrast to those important efforts, and we respectfully believe it should be reconsidered."