Charles Barkley slams pickleball as dangerous hobby for seniors on podcast
Charles Barkley warned on a podcast that pickleball is causing frequent injuries among older players, a view echoed by NFL star George Kittle.
On the podcast "The Kittle Cast," former basketball legend Charles Barkley delivered a blunt assessment of pickleball, calling it a pastime that repeatedly injures senior players. He claimed doctors view the sport as a "gift that keeps giving" because of the constant injuries it produces. NFL tight end George Kittle, together with his wife Claire, echoed the sentiment, pointing to a surge in torn ACLs and broken wrists among the 55-plus demographic.
Barkley dismissed the idea of older adults playing basketball, labeling pickleball as "stupid" and unsuitable for aging bodies. Kittle added that he would avoid the courts entirely, preferring less intense options. The discussion also featured a personal anecdote from a former participant who found the competition more akin to professional tennis than a leisurely game. Both guests concluded that traditional activities such as golf might be a safer retirement workout.
Why it matters
Raises awareness of injury risks in a rapidly growing senior sport and prompts discussion on safe exercise choices.
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