Wednesday  June 7 9:54 PM EDT

Slug Bug Purists Say New
Bug Ruining Game

Lansing, MI - The slug bug community is in the midst of the biggest controversy the game has ever seen since the "no slug backs" rule was introduced in 1978.  The issue?  Whether to include the new Volkswagen Beetles as sluggable cars.  Many players see this as an opportunity to introduce a whole new generation of 'Slug-Buggers' to the game, while others contend that the integrity of the game is at stake.

Purists of the game have argued since the new Beetle's introduction that the it should not be sluggable.  We caught up with Jason Smithers at Slug-Bug-a-rama 2000.  He said, "Those new cars shouldn't count.  The game has been fine for over 20 years without them.  Why change now?"   He also questioned the new colors, "Those colors are a step too far.  I mean 'Slug bug white' is fine but 'Slug bug vapor?'  What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Kyle Bessman, part of the game's new guard, has a different opinion, "It adds a whole new dimension to the game.  Before we'd often go hours without seeing one, then one day Jimmy says 'Hey let's use the new ones'.  Life has never been the same since then."

In August the Slug Bug Council is set to rule on the heated issue.  Intense lobbying efforts on both sides have been in full force since January.  Until their ruling the Council is telling participants to consider the new bugs sluggable on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and to exclude them on the rest of the days. 

For those not familiar with the game, the rules are simple.  The first person to see a Volkswagen Beetle announces "Slug Bug, no returns" while punching the other person.  Variations on the game also include announcing the color, and two hits for a convertible.

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