Florida Pickleball Match Ends in Violent Brawl

Couple arrested after fight involving 20 people at country club

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A pickleball match at Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange, Florida turned into a violent brawl involving 20 people. The fight started after a husband-and-wife team accused their opponents of a rules violation, leading to an exchange of insults and physical altercation. Three people were injured, including one who was hospitalized. The couple who instigated the fight, Anthony and Julianne Sapienza, were arrested and charged with felony battery.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the growing popularity of pickleball and the potential for disputes over the sport's rules to escalate into physical violence, raising concerns about safety and sportsmanship at recreational sporting events.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, the fight began when Anthony Sapienza accused his opponent of playing a shot in the restricted "kitchen" area of the pickleball court. The verbal dispute then turned physical, with Sapienza punching one man, striking him with a pickleball paddle, and pushing the man's wife to the ground. Sapienza also punched another 70-year-old man on the opposing team who tried to intervene.

  • The incident occurred on February 8, 2026 at the Spruce Creek Country Club in Port Orange, Florida.
  • Anthony and Julianne Sapienza were later arrested at their gated condominium in Ponce Inlet, Florida, about 12 miles away from the country club.

The players

Anthony Sapienza

A 63-year-old man who was charged with two counts of felony battery on a person 65 years or older, and one count of aggravated battery causing bodily harm.

Julianne Sapienza

Anthony Sapienza's 51-year-old wife, who was charged with one count of felony battery on a person 65 years or older.

Spruce Creek Country Club

A country club in Port Orange, Florida where the pickleball match and brawl took place. The club has banned the Sapienzas for life.

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What they’re saying

“There is far more to this story than what has been alleged, and we are confident that the facts will ultimately demonstrate his innocence.”

— Matthew W. Thompson, Lawyer for Anthony Sapienza

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Anthony Sapienza out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for better sportsmanship and conflict resolution in recreational sports, as well as the potential for pickleball disputes to escalate into serious violence, raising questions about safety protocols and community standards at private clubs.