Florida Couple Arrested After Pickleball Match Turns Into a Brawl

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by Neil Vigdor

February 13, 2026

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A Florida couple has been arrested after a heated pickleball match at the Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange turned into a chaotic brawl involving 20 people. The incident occurred on February 8, 2026, when tensions rose over a violation of the "kitchen rule," a fundamental pickleball guideline restricting shots within a designated rectangle near the net. This disagreement quickly escalated into a verbal exchange, which eventually led to physical altercations, resulting in three injuries, one requiring hospitalization for facial cuts and bruises. The fracas began when a member of one team accused another of playing a shot within the restricted kitchen area. Tempers flared, leading to a full-scale melee where fists were raised, and even a pickleball paddle was used as a weapon. Law enforcement reported that 20 individuals joined in on the chaos, which ultimately led to the couple being charged with felony battery. The couple, who had previously been banned for life from the country club, fled the scene but were later apprehended at their gated condominium. The incident highlights the potential for sports-related disputes to escalate into violence, particularly when strong emotions are involved. While pickleball is typically a low-stakes and fun activity, this case underscores the importance of adhering to rules and maintaining decorum during competitive play. The arrest affidavit details the chaos, emphasizing how quickly a simple argument can spiral out of control, involving multiple participants and leading to serious consequences for those involved. This story not only serves as a cautionary tale about sportsmanship but also raises broader questions about behavior in social and recreational settings. Such incidents remind us that even seemingly minor disagreements can have significant legal and personal ramifications. The charges against the couple, coupled with their lifetime ban from the club, illustrate the serious nature of the altercation and its impact on

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/13/2026