A heated argument over a pickleball rule erupted into a full-scale brawl at a central Florida country club, leading to felony battery charges for two players, according to authorities. The incident, which occurred in Port Orange, involved a 63-year-old man who allegedly struck his opponent in the face with a paddle and continued punching him on the ground before others intervened.
Charges Filed After Violent Altercation
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office reported that the 63-year-old man was charged on Sunday with two counts of felony battery on a person aged 65 or older. His 51-year-old wife, who also participated in the fight, faces a single count of the same charge, as detailed in an arrest affidavit. The couple was playing against another married pair when the dispute began.
Rule Dispute Sparks Conflict
The confrontation started over shots made in what is known as the kitchen, a marked area on either side of the net in pickleball. By official rules, players are only permitted to take a shot in this zone after the ball has landed there; otherwise, they must avoid it entirely. The disagreement quickly escalated as players exchanged insults during the match.
At the conclusion of the game, the 63-year-old man reportedly insulted his male opponent's wife, leading to a verbal exchange. According to the affidavit, this prompted the man to launch a physical attack on his opponent, initiating the violent melee.
Widespread Involvement in the Brawl
The arrest affidavit indicates that as many as 20 players became involved in the brawl, highlighting the intensity of the altercation. Matt Thompson, an attorney representing the 63-year-old man, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the charges.
This incident underscores how sports disputes can sometimes spiral out of control, resulting in serious legal consequences. Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport known for its social and recreational aspects, is now at the center of a criminal investigation due to this unexpected outbreak of violence.
