PORT ORANGE, Fla. (AP) — Chaos erupted during a pickleball game at a country club in central Florida due to a disagreement over a rule, authorities reported. The altercation escalated to violence, with one player striking his opponent in the face with a paddle and proceeding to physically assault him on the ground before others intervened.
A 63-year-old man was arrested on Sunday and charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 or older, while his 51-year-old wife, who also participated in the altercation in Port Orange, was charged with a single count of felony battery on a person 65 or older, as per an arrest affidavit.
The incident took place during a game involving two married couples where the dispute arose over shots being made in the designated “kitchen” area on either side of the net. According to the rules, players are only allowed to hit the ball in that area once it has landed there; otherwise, they must avoid it.
After a series of insults were exchanged between the players, the situation escalated when the man insulted his opponent’s wife. This led to a verbal confrontation between the two men, culminating in the 63-year-old man physically attacking his adversary, the affidavit stated.
Matt Thompson, the attorney representing the man, did not provide immediate comment in response to an email inquiry.
The altercation drew in as many as 20 players, resulting in a chaotic brawl, according to the affidavit.
