[DigitalOutlaw53]

I am the Lead Mentor for Team 2135 which was a member of the alliance that was lead by 1323 and included 846 in the Finals at SVR. I am also the father of one of the mentors of 1323.

1323, like so many teams in FRC, have given so much back to the sport, their communities and of course their students. 1323 and the entire FRC community have helped our team on countless occasions without ever asking for anything in return. It is a privilege and an honor to walk with 1323 and our entire FRC family.

I make no comment on the facts of the matter as no one on 2135 were aware of what was happening until after the match. I do not have any additional information to offer on the events and this is not meant to denigrate any individual or group in any way. Things happened.

What I can comment on are two things:

1. 1323 took the matter as the gentlemen and leaders which they are. They calmly walked off the field with their heads held high even though this was a crushing way to cap off thousands of hours of hard work. While they did not agree with the decision, they nevertheless played by the rules and left the field. I am very proud of their maturity and I am worried I would have looked like a screaming two year old had I been in the same position.

2. I shouldn't be surprised by the reaction of the California FRC community to what happened but I was. Every team I saw in the building after the match came up to 1323 to congratulate them on an outstanding season and their entire history in FRC. Most didn't care about what happened, they just needed to show their support. I was totally overwhelmed by the whole thing. FRC and Silicon Valley/California are amazing and we will always be strong with such great people including the teams, the volunteers and the refs - everyone.