For most people, a sports injury means some ice, a little rest and maybe a few complaints to friends. Police say one Pennsylvania pickleball player took a very different approach.
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According to authorities in the Pocono Mountains, a 31-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly vandalizing several public pickleball and tennis courts because an injury had supposedly "ruined" his summer.
Police said officers responded to reports of vandalism at TLC Park and Mountain View Park in May, per NBC Philadelphia.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage that allegedly showed a man cutting a pickleball net at TLC Park before leaving in a white Hyundai Tucson.
Two days later, police said the same vehicle was captured entering Mountain View Park after hours. Authorities allege the suspect exited the vehicle and entered the pickleball courts, where additional nets were later found damaged.
After sharing surveillance images with the public, investigators identified the suspect as Saif Kaleem, according to police.
During an interview, authorities said Kaleem admitted he recently suffered an injury while playing pickleball at Mountain View Park.
Police said he confessed to cutting one pickleball net at TLC Park as well as three pickleball nets and a tennis net at Mountain View Park.
His reported explanation?
According to police, Kaleem said he acted because "his summer was ruined."
The alleged damage has resulted in criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and trespassing charges.
Pickleball has exploded in popularity across the United States in recent years, becoming one of the nation's fastest-growing recreational sports.
But while injuries can certainly be frustrating, police say destroying public courts is not the recommended recovery plan.
