FIRST's statement on Einstein

[twetherbee]

Here are some of my thoughts about Einstein on the plane ride home last night that we can teach our teams:

1) S#*^ happens in FIRST and in the real world, so you had better be prepared to roll with the punches.

2) Things in life aren't always fair, but if you do your best then always hold your head high and be proud of your accomplishments.

3) All four alliances on Einsten this year were of IRI caliber and it is a shame that the field issues got in the way of what had the potential to be epic matches based on the division eliminations. We have all collectively put in thousands of hours, millions of dollars, gallons of blood sweat and tears into this season, but in the end it is just a game. And while the FIRST community debates things like field issues, FIRST's handling of Einstein or a "tainted" win, there is a family in St. Louis who is making funeral arrangements for someone who was watching another type of game and was in the wrong place at the wrong time while the Einstein field issues kept tens of thousands of us all safe and sound inside the Edwards Jones Dome. Perspective is everything.

I personally am going to take a cue from my new friends the Novak's and look forward to IRI and the 2013 season. FIRST now has to address and fix what has been a season long issue that was unfortunately put into a glaring spotlight on the world stage.

Congratulations again to Teams 180, 25, and 16 on being the 2012 World Champions.