Read the debate intro, Bleacher Fan’s argument, and Babe Ruthless’ argument.
“Oh won’t you gimme three steps, gimme three steps, Mister, gimme three steps toward the door…”
-Lynyrd Skynyrd
This phrase is part of the chorus from the classic rock song “Gimme Three Steps” by the Southern rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song was released in 1973. Maybe the writers of this song had the2009 NBA season in mind when writing the song! Of course, instead of “door” it should say “gimme three steps toward the basket.”
I must give credit to Babe Ruthless who contributed the first of what we hope will be many articles here on The Sports Debates. I came away very impressed, and it is safe to say Babe Ruthless has passed through the initiation period. Like Babe, the video game NBA Jam was a big part of my life growing up. I would play it first at arcades, and then when it came out on Sega Genesis I was one of the first to buy it! By the way, click on the NBA Jam link above and take a look at the old rosters the game used in its time. That will take you back!
Bleacher Fan wrote that there is no tangible benefit for the NBA in making this rule “change.” You know what? I agree. I am awarding the victory to Bleacher Fan!
I admittedly did not watch a lot of basketball last night due to the CMA Awards, but I did watch bits and pieces of the Cleveland Cavaliers-Orlando Magic game and the Atlanta Hawks New York Knicks game. I saw a couple of instances in both games and from all four teams where players took two steps and no traveling violation was called. The same thing could have happened last season and nothing would have been called. As Bleacher Fan points out, where does it end?
What won the case for Bleacher Fan, however, is the analogy to speeding. Speed limits are set to prohibit speeding, thus the word “limit.” But, most people will still drive 5-10 miles per hour faster than the limit, and chances are they will not get pulled over for it. I drive to work on an interstate every day, as many of you may. The speed limit is 70 MPH, but it is fairly common for Loyal Homer to set my cruise at 80. I have been personally told by a Georgia state trooper that most law enforcement officials will not pull anyone over until hey are 12 MPH or above (some of you do not believe this, I know). I know I can get away with going 80, so I do it. And so do many other drivers. NBA players knew they could get away with two steps before the “rule” change. Perhaps players believe they might be able to get away with three steps. You can bet they will try. We will see how much the NBA enforces it.
My official record maybe 0-1 in court room debates, but I take solace in the fact that I know I am the people’s champion.
As of 1:20 pm EST my argument held a clear majority of the popular support, by a margin of 62% in favor of my argument to 38% in favor of the Bleacher Fan’s argument. It is because of my argument’s popular support that I do not seek an appeal to a higher authority.
Although I disagree with the verdict, I feel we all learned something today.
We learned that Loyal Homer drives without regard for speed limits and public safety.
We learned that Bleacher Fan would rather have his traveling calls the old fashioned way… hypocritically.
And we learned that the PEOPLE love The Babe.
Hooray for learning! I have a sneaking suspicion that this will not be the final time you lock horns with Loyal Homer.
And those numbers are heaviliy skewed because you and your buddies stuffed the ballot box!
Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan have done this in the past! 
And yes, we will lock horns in the future I’m sure!
Loyal Homer’s mom is a regular voter. She may also make Loyal Homer snacks during writing sessions. Not sure on that one, it’s just rumor.