hmm...
blame it on the programmer until the point where he needs an extensive break half way through the qualifying matches. Only to realize it was the mechanical peoples fault who needed to shave down some metal to fit within the size limits, while the piece is in the up position which is strategically located right over the electronics panel... which makes the autonomous go insane which causes the robot to suffer extensive mechanical damage from a run in with a wall in the middle of the playing field....
or short and sweet:
BLAME IT ON THE PROGRAMMER SINCE HE DID NOT WRITE CODE THAT FIXED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS!!!