[The UFC has just announced a new Picklebrawl Division. Pickleball mogul SB John (Mendocino Bonobos) alerted us to the startling development reported below. Until now, reports of violence on the courts have been in the rumor category. Unfortunately, now they are real. Will picklebrawl spread? Experts say it is inevitable. SB SM]
Here’s an account from the NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/us/pickleball-brawl-florida-arrests.html
Fresh details have emerged from a Florida pickleball brawl that led to multiple injuries and the arrest of a couple now facing battery charges.
Deputies from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office responded to Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange on February 8 following reports of a fight involving up to 20 people during a match. According to the arrest affidavit, Anthony Sapienza, 63, and Julianne Sapienza, 51, were taken into custody after several players sustained injuries, including a 70-year-old man.
Witnesses told authorities the altercation began when Anthony Sapienza accused an opponent of stepping into the kitchen during a volley. The argument escalated quickly. Investigators say insults were exchanged before Sapienza allegedly punched one victim and struck him in the face with a pickleball paddle.
“It’s bleeding and swollen,” a player said in a 911 call. “He’s got blood all over his face … It’s really ridiculous. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
According to the affidavit, a 70-year-old player attempted to break up the fight but was also punched by Anthony Sapienza. While the man was on the ground, Julianne Sapienza allegedly continued the assault.
One victim was transported to a local hospital with a laceration above his eye that authorities said could result in permanent scarring.
The couple left the scene but were later arrested at their residence and booked into jail. In charging documents, Assistant State Attorney Danielle Fields stated that Anthony Sapienza used a pickleball paddle as a “deadly weapon” with intent to cause “great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement.”
Both Anthony and Julianne Sapienza have pleaded not guilty. Their attorney has not made a public comment. A court hearing is scheduled for March 3.
Authorities also confirmed the couple were not members of the country club and have since been permanently banned from the gated community and club premises.
Alot of you have asked about my knee replacement progress. 15 days post operation today with a visit to my surgeon, Dr. Bowen, aka The God of Bones, in Willits today. All is progressing with pain lessening, knee flexibility to 91 degrees, no more walker or cane, physical therapy twice daily with lots of icing. No driving, flying, hot tubbing, or pickleball for awhile. Recuperating slowly on the coast with Nurse Nantzy being my savior and lots of board games, books, movies, and easy visits. Life is good. Glad I did it!
SB John (Mendocino Bonobos)