Here is a snippet from C.A.R.M. one of the more rational apologetic sites on the net (IMHO), even they "can't explain it away"....
Quote:
It is found in many old manuscripts but is omitted in two of the earliest complete copies of the Bible known as the Vaticanus (350 AD) and Sinaiticus (375 AD). Additionally, there is another ending to Mark in some old manuscripts that is substituted for 9-20. The alternate ending reads as follows:
"And they promptly reported all these instructions to Peter and his companions. And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation."
Some scholars have asserted that the ending is in a different style than the rest of the gospel and that it contains 16-22 "non-marcan" words used in a "non-marcan" sense. It seems to suggest that Jesus appeared in a different form (v. 12) which could be problematic since Jesus rose in the same body He died in (John 2:19-21). Also, Mark 16:16 can be interpreted to mean that baptism is part of salvation. It isn't as is testified by verses that teach justification by faith Rom. 5:1; 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9, etc.). Whichever the case, the dispute is not settled and may never be.
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What's odd is they just kind of ignore it, if you ask me. Another glaring fact is that these "earliest manuscripts" are roughly 320 years AFTER THE FACT, plenty of time for even those manuscipts to be "edited".
I must give credit to the Bible Gateway and the writers of the NIV of the bible for pointing out and admitting that these verses are in question. If you look up the KJV, it is not noted, also the King James 21 century addition doesn't mention this either. Apparently the King James people don't consider this an issue. Granted, most of the bible is pretty original based on what manuscripts are available and the message still carries, but I hardly think anyone can honestly claim that the bible is the inerrant word of God.
It COULD be (putting on speculation hat) that the Codex's are the earliest corrupted version of the bible. But like CARM says, we may never know.