Pickleball is a new sport that has begun to rise in popularity over the past few years. And though players have been quick to make the distinction that it is not the same thing as tennis, a video from a championship game over the weekend, showed that it can get just as heated.
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Pickleball Matchup Turns Into Heated Rumble
After one of the players, Peter Shonk, scored a match point he was overcome with emotion. Letting out a boisterous "yeah!" once he and his teammate secure the win. But unfortunately for Peter, he was playing against a couple of sore losers.
As he extended his hand to shake hands with his opponent as a sign of respect Peter appeared to knock one of his opponent's racket out of his hand. As he reached down to grab his racket the opponent kicked Peter square in the face, so hard that his hat flew off his head, causing a heated altercation between several people.
Peter has since shared that he is not seriously injured and is recovering. After the video was shared fans weighed in with reactions about the incident on social media.
"Peter tried to pick up the paddle and was met with unusual force. The man should be charged with assault," one user said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Man the kick was definitely over the line but punching or slapping the paddle out of his hand. Act professional," another user added.
John McEnroe Slams New Craze
Recently, pickleball has begun to gain popularity. Star athletes like Kevin Durant and Draymond Green have already invested in the sport, as have celebrities like Michael B. Jordan and Drake.
But not everyone is a fan of the new craze, including tennis legend John McEnroe.
"I'm amazed that people take it quite as seriously as they apparently do, compared to our sport. But that's for other people to decide. I would compare it to the NFL. It's like a poor man's Arena Football," McEnroe said.
"Unfortunately, what you can do with the ball is limited. It's plastic. You've got little rackets like you're playing racquetball or squash. You're not doing a whole lot of running, obviously, because it's a tiny court, but you do have to bend a little, which isn't good as you stiffen up."
