Posted by Michael Betts.
Engineer on team #177, Bobcat Robotics, from South Windsor High School and International Fuel Cells.
Posted on 2/28/2000 7:27 AM MST
In Reply to: ~INCIDENT AT THE RAMBOTS FIRST CHAT~ Please read! posted by Lora Knepper on 2/27/2000 6:27 PM MST:
:... There was vulgar language, and putting down of other teams...General un-sportsmanship like behavior....
To the FIRST Community,
I have been informed that one of the 'disruptive' influences at the referenced chat event had identified themselves as being affiliated with Team 177. As team leader of Bobcat Robotics, I have a very difficult time believing that any of my team members were involved. We have a great group of individuals on our team and they have all demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship in both actions and attitude.
Nevertheless, the image of Team 177 has been tarnished. Accepting the possibility that one of my team members was involved, I wish to publicly apologize for this incident.
I will do by best to investigate this incident but, given the anonymity of the net, my chances for success may be problematic. If anyone has any first hand information about this incident, please call me at 860-727-2478 or email at
bettsmi@ifc.utc.com in total confidence.
And finally, to the person(s) responsible:
You just don't 'get it', do you? It is far easier break, or leave broken, something (robot, team or community, it does not matter), than to make it work. What you miss, by taking the easy way out, is cultivating a genuine respect for yourself and your own potential. You have learned nothing.
It does not matter if you are a member of my team or not. Your lack of this basic understanding means that both I and my team have failed you. You, also, have my sincerest apologies.
Mike Betts for Team 177