mikeh, on Nov 16 2007, 09:37 PM, said:
I just wish they had all come out immediately and apologized. Then the USBF could and I am sure would have been able to show leniency in the event of a conviction. And this thread would have been a LOT shorter

As I understand it, the Venice Cup Team at least made an effort to come out immediately and apologize. They sent the USBF an e-mail to that effect shortly after the end of the Shanghai tournament.
As I understand it, the USBF was not thrilled with the wording of this e-mail and some effort was made by both parties to come to an agreement about what would constitute appropriate and acceptable wording in such a statement.
As I understand it, the Venice Cup Team was not happy with some of the words that the USBF wanted them to say and the two sides are no longer working toward drafting a statement of apology that would be acceptable to everyone.
Disclaimer: "As I understand it" does not mean "I know this happened and I know all the facts".
If I was going to get involved in creating a petition (I am not), I would try to petition both sides to resume "negotations" on this front, to leave the lawyers, ALL politics, and the callers-for-blood at home, and to THINK about the potential damage they might cause (to themselves, to the USBF, and to bridge) if they continue down this reckless path.
Both the Venice Cup Team and the USBF Board consist of highly intelligent and well-meaning people. Bridge is a vital aspect of all of their lives. This in itself should provide plenty of room to find some common ground.
Furthermore, it is very much in the best interests of both sides to find that common ground. If they fail to do so there is potential for disaster for everyone (except the lawyers of course).
The USBF's very existence is at risk here. The ripples could go well beyond the USBF and cause significant damage to other critical bridge instituations and to bridge players in every country in the world.
The players are risking their ability to make a good living and to travel the world expertly playing a card game they really love. Not such a bad life. Hello?
All parties are risking the anger and disgust of their friends and peers. The mood I am sensing on the street is that most people at the highest levels of bridge in the USA are unhappy and disappointed with both sides right now.
IMO it is (past!) time for both sides to take a step back and to start talking again (and not through their lawyers). Does either side have the courage to blink first?
Fred Gitelman
Bridge Base Inc.
www.bridgebase.com