Team 548 Einstein Statement

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by quinxorin

548 shouldn't have had to apologize. Regardless of what one individual did, he acted alone and not as a member of the team; whether right or wrong, it wasn't the team's fault.

548's apology was exactly the correct thing to do.

This is the same "rule" that most organizations and companies have. If I were to talk onto a plane wearing a company shirt and start talking about something bad for the company, it reflects on the company. If I happen to encounter one of our customers and start having a discussion about our products, I'm required to file a report about the encounter.

In this case, an individual who could be identified as belonging to their team performed actions of which the community disproves. Whether or not the team made a public statement, enough people witnessed the incident to ensure that something would be said and spread via rumor. In such a situation, it would go directly against the team and many people would blame the team. By stepping forward as a team, publicly apologizing, and clearly stating that the individuals actions were not representative of the team, this team is performing the necessary PR to move past the incident.

All that said, I personally believe this was the act of an individual, and not something that was sanctioned by the team. I think it really helps to highlight the fact that poor choices can be made by anyone, even a 7-year veteran mentor of a well respected team. I hope this doesn't tarnish the team's reputation in years to come, and I really hope the immediate community they interact with at off season events, districts, and such maintains respect for this team through these difficult times.