Story perspectives

Apple TV's “The Dink” Fuels Pickleball Penalty Debate

7/23/2026

Summary

Apple TV Streams

Apple TV streams the comedy “The Dink” on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Josh Greenbaum directs Jake Johnson (Dusty), Mary Steenburgen (Candace), and Ed Harris (Chuck).
Sean Clements wrote the script while Ben Stiller produces and appears as Dusty's doctor.
The PG-13 film features Andy Roddick as himself, a cameo by John McEnroe, and earned a 2½-star rating out of four (3.5 stars).
Greenbaum says the film could spark new pickleball interest.

Summary

Klinger Penalized

CJ Klinger received an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty for a foot stomp, halting the pro pickleball match.
Referee Jack Sock laughed from the sidelines, emphasizing the perceived absurdity of the call.
Critics say the vague distraction rule lets officials penalize minor actions like foot stomps, creating inconsistency.
Proponents argue the rule protects professional credibility and broadcast appeal.
Reform suggestions propose defining the rule to target only deliberate, opponent-directed actions that break concentration.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Open Pickleball Championships began in 2016 at East Naples Community Park and grew annually, while 2019 saw the first professional tours (APP and PPA) launch, prompting media deals such as ESPN’s broadcasts and Apple TV’s comedy “The Dink.” By 2023, the sport reached 13.6 million U.S. players, reflecting its rapid mainstream rise.

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Apple TV Streams

Apple TV streams the comedy “The Dink” on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Josh Greenbaum directs Jake Johnson (Dusty), Mary Steenburgen (Candace), and Ed Harris (Chuck).
Sean Clements wrote the script while Ben Stiller produces and appears as Dusty's doctor.
The PG-13 film features Andy Roddick as himself, a cameo by John McEnroe, and earned a 2½-star rating out of four (3.5 stars).
Greenbaum says the film could spark new pickleball interest.

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