Will Arnett doesn’t hold back on his opinion of America’s fastest growing sport: “Pickleball is a fat man’s sport”

Pickleball has been on a winning streak across America. It’s booming in retirement communities, suburban parks, and now even Hollywood. But Will Arnett is not having it.

In a recent episode of their podcast SmartLess hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and the aforementioned Arnett chatted informally to David Leitch. And one of the topics discussed was the sport of pickleball.

Pickleball ain’t for everyone

Leitch was asked about his current life in Pittsburgh, and his initial response was, “we play pickleball.”

Bateman followed up jokingly asking if he had “experienced any life scarring injuries from pickleball,” but as an explanation of his friend in ER saying most of the people come in specifically because of pickleball, that’s when Arnett interrupted.

“David, no offense, I’m not a fan,” he said flatly. Then, after a dramatic pause: “Pickleball is a fat man’s sport.”

The comedian didn’t let up. “It’s replaced racquetball,” he said. “You stand in the middle of the thing, the ball’s going to come to you eventually.”

For Arnett, who says he once loved racquetball and squash, the sport lacks intensity. “I liked squash because it was harder… you had to run.”

Enjoy the full discussion with the guys below, with the pickleball mocking coming around minute 50:

• How to play pickleball: Rules for beginners
• Why are LeBron James and others investing in it?
• What are the most common pickleball injuries and how to prevent them?

Pickleball celebrity popularity

Pickleball’s explosion has been near-total. The number of players in the U.S. has more than doubled in the past three years, and courts are popping up in converted malls, tennis clubs, and even airports.

Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians, and Matthew Perry (RIP) have been spotted playing. There’s even a pro league backed by LeBron James and Tom Brady.

Learn more about pickleball:

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