Phoenix 24
The actor wanted directions, not emergency assistance.
NANTUCKET, UNITED STATES — July 2026. Adam Sandler contacted the Nantucket Police Department less than 48 hours after officiating the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The call, however, had nothing to do with security, the celebrity ceremony or a criminal incident. The actor simply wanted help finding a public basketball court where he could join a pickup game. He contacted the department’s non-emergency line while visiting the Massachusetts island.
Public safety dispatcher Chris Reynolds received the call and initially heard Sandler explain that he had recently arrived in Nantucket. The 59-year-old comedian said he enjoyed playing basketball and asked where he could find a suitable court. Reynolds directed him to the Backus Lane courts near Surfside Road, where local residents regularly gather for informal games. The dispatcher later accompanied Sandler to the location.
Several players were already on the court when the Hollywood star arrived. According to participant Andrew Kesler, Sandler stepped out of his vehicle, approached the group and asked for time to stretch before entering the game. The players welcomed him without creating a formal event or interrupting the recreational atmosphere. His appearance quickly transformed an ordinary local game into an unexpected celebrity encounter.
Kesler described Sandler as a strong passer who regularly created opportunities for his teammates. He also demonstrated competent layups but appeared more hesitant when attempting longer shots. The actor reportedly interacted naturally with the group and showed no interest in receiving special treatment. His relaxed participation reflected a lifelong enthusiasm for basketball that has frequently been documented away from movie sets.
The Nantucket game took place less than two days after Sandler officiated Swift and Kelce’s July 3 wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The ceremony brought together prominent figures from music, film and professional sports. Sandler delivered a warm and humorous address before formally pronouncing the couple married. His involvement reflected the personal relationship he had developed with both stars.
Sandler became closer to Kelce while working with him on the 2025 Netflix film Happy Gilmore 2. The Kansas City Chiefs player appeared in the comedy sequel, giving the two men an opportunity to develop a friendship. Sandler later said Kelce reminded him of the friends he had during high school because of his humor, openness and informal personality. The comedian’s family has also maintained a warm relationship with Swift and expressed longstanding admiration for her music.
His affection for basketball surrounded the wedding weekend itself. Hours before the ceremony, Sandler was seen participating in another pickup game on an outdoor New York City court despite extreme summer temperatures. After completing his unexpected role as a wedding officiant, he resumed the same routine in Massachusetts. The two games demonstrated that his enthusiasm for the sport remains constant regardless of professional obligations or high-profile social events.
The unusual phone call attracted attention because celebrity interactions with police are often associated with emergencies or legal problems. In this case, Sandler used the appropriate non-emergency number and made a simple request for local information. The encounter ended with a friendly basketball game rather than an investigation or security operation. It also gave Nantucket residents an unexpected opportunity to share the court with one of Hollywood’s most recognizable comedians.
After officiating a celebrity wedding, Sandler returned to his favorite court.