Quote:
Originally Posted by Libby K
This is what I mean. The situation in which the team formerly associated with the individual steps forward and makes a statement will create a much better atmosphere for themselves than the situation where the community eventually finds out who this person is and publishes their name and association. As much as I think that illustrates the bad parts of the internet, it's more than likely going to happen because this IS such an emotionally charged issue for so many.
If you were that team, wouldn't you want to admit that, like Alex said, this person had a different character than you thought... rather than get called out on a public forum before you get your chance to speak for yourself?
I don't approve of a witch-hunt for the person involved, but I do believe the team should get a chance to step forward before those with the torches and pitchforks get them first.
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I disagree...I don't see how a team's statement would be any different announcing it themselves or after the "witch-hunt" finishes. I, for one, would feel no different feelings for the team other than, if they announced it themselves, saying, 'that's bold', and then moving on with the same 'not the team's fault, etc...' feelings. But as EricH greatly said earlier, that team will forever have their name associated with this, whether that's the right thing or not; it's what will happen.
The longer the secret is kept, the better. If the team name never is revealed other than mumblings at regionals(ie. "Yeah I hear it was that mentor for team XXXX"), then that is even better.
Also, has anyone considered the possibility that the team themselves don't even know about it, and that the perpetrator is passing it off as leaving for other reasons? Part of me wants to view that as a case, but part of me has reasons why that wouldn't work (how would FIRST get into contact with the individual other than through the main team contact? unless that person kept it a complete secret/between them and the perpetrator).