Should sponsors be held the same standards as teams?

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Madison

Should be there some litmus test that determines whether a company or individual has acted with the "gracious professionalism" we regard so highly or does the oft repeated warning that it should be used only as an internal measuring stick apply here as well?

I would have to say that GP is a measurement that can only apply to yourself. To apply it to another is unfair to that person/group. I would like to submit as an example a war, particularly the Crusades. Both sides felt they were acting for the best, so which side was GP and which side wasn't? Apply this to any modern day conflict. In Iraq is America being GP? GP can only be judged by the party themselves.

As far as sponsoring companies being companies that have a negative public image goes I have a few quick thoughts. Basically the issue is public image, a tobacco company has a pretty awful public image for example. This raises the question, do they deserve that image? They sell a product that is lawful and turn a profit doing it. How are they any different than Mom and Pop's Grocery down on the corner? Obviously this company wants to help with the mission of FIRST. Why should we tell them they can't?