[Rosiebotboss]

First off, let me preface this post with I hate to resurrect this and put it back on top, but some things need to be said.

1. This should never have been posted in a public forum such as CD. There are other avenues. PM, email, phone etc. We as mentors and leaders need to be better stewards of this program called FIRST and not make personal attacks on anyone, referees, judges, other mentors.

2. I have not read the thread except what was posted here. I do not know the call(s) that made the originator so upset. I don't care what the call was. We must remember the robot and the game are just tools to build the student. Yes, we are building and shaping young minds to operate in a world that is messed up, But let's do it the right way and make the magic happen without these distractions. If winning the game is so important that exchanges such as this were made, then the poster needs to be in another program.

3. I am going to tip my hand now and admit, yes, I am bias and have an agenda for this rant. I have known Dr. Browne for some 20 years, even before his days on a FIRST team. Even before FIRST was thought of. I cannot stand idly by while his character and integrity are being shot at. I can tell you that it is not in Aidan's character to tear apart anyone in a public forum. There are very few people in this world that I would trust my family with, Dr. Browne is one of them. His integrity is impeccable.

4. In my first conversation with Aidan after the game was revealed at SNHU, I asked why a game without any defense. He told me, that is what the teams wanted. Over the past 2 years the referees and the GDC were getting hammered with compaints about rough play, so the GDC decided to give the teams what they wanted, or what they thought they wanted, a game without defense. A game in which NO contact was allowed (outside the bumper zone.) So, I tell you this to illustrate that the GDC and the "makers of the magic" do listen and do care. Believe it or not, Dr. Browne is on your side.

I hope the original poster has calmed down enough to re read Aidans answer. A lot of times when we are upset and angy, the real meaning of a statement becoms cloudy and we read things into a statement that are just not there.