Johns Brothers Withdraw from MLP Columbus: Controversy Erupts in Professional Pickleball

In a shocking turn of events at the Major League Pickleball (MLP) Columbus tournament, star players Ben and Collin Johns have withdrawn from the remainder of the event, citing concerns over lighting conditions. This unexpected development has sent ripples through the professional pickleball community, sparking heated debates and raising questions about player safety, professionalism, and the future of the sport.

The Incident: What Happened on the Court

The MLP Columbus event kicked off on Thursday afternoon at the Pickle and Chill facility in Columbus, Ohio. The initial matches proceeded without incident, with the Phoenix Flames narrowly defeating the Carolina Hogs in a thrilling Dreambreaker finish.

However, the controversy began to unfold on Friday morning when the Carolina Hogs, featuring the Johns brothers, faced off against the Atlanta Bouncers. In a surprising turn of events, Ben Johns appeared to be playing far below his usual standard, particularly during the mixed doubles match where he and partner Tammy Emmrich suffered a crushing 1-11 loss to Jaume Martinez Vich and Vivian Glozman.

Footage of Johns’ lackluster performance quickly circulated on social media, with many spectators and fellow players questioning his effort and commitment. The Memes of Pickleball Instagram account shared clips highlighting Johns’ apparent lack of engagement during the match.

The Withdrawal: Citing Lighting Concerns

Shortly after their defeat, Ben and Collin Johns announced their withdrawal from the remainder of the MLP Columbus event. In a statement shared on Ben’s Instagram Stories, the brothers cited concerns over the lighting conditions at the venue:

“After careful consideration and discussion with tournament officials, Collin and I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the remainder of the MLP Columbus event due to lighting concerns. We believe the current conditions pose a potential risk to player safety and could lead to injuries. We hope this decision will prompt a reassessment of venue standards for future events.”

This unexpected withdrawal left their team, the Carolina Hogs, in a precarious position, forcing them to rely on on-site alternates to complete their remaining matches.

Reactions from the Pickleball Community

The Johns brothers’ withdrawal has elicited a wide range of responses from players, officials, and fans alike. Many have expressed support for the players’ decision to prioritize their safety, while others have questioned the timing and manner of their withdrawal.

League Officials and MLP Response

Major League Pickleball and the UPA (USA Pickleball Association) issued statements acknowledging the situation while attempting to refocus attention on the ongoing tournament:

“We are thrilled with the overall passion, excitement, and high level of play to start the 2025 MLP season, and want to keep the focus on the court for the duration of the event in Columbus.”

Professional Player Reactions

Several prominent players have weighed in on the controversy. Zane Navratil was particularly critical, calling for Ben Johns to face suspension:

“After @BenJohns_pb blatantly tanks his mixed match against Atlanta this morning, Ben and Collin decide to withdraw from the rest of the tournament. Ben should be suspended – not from MLP because he clearly doesn’t want to play, but from the PPA tour.”

Ben Johns responded to these criticisms, defending his decision and reiterating his concerns about the lighting conditions:

“I’ve made it clear to MLP that if we played outside or if the lighting were improved I would be more than happy to play the rest of the weekend. Based on light readings taken on court it is ~1/3 the amount that professional tennis is played at. Hot paddles + bad lighting = injury”

MLP Executive Reactions

Jimmy Miller, President and GM of the California Black Bears, suggested potential fines for the withdrawal and expressed concerns about the impact on league competition:

“This decision by Ben and Collin also messes with the league competition. Huge advantage to play Carolina this week as opposed to in Orlando. Injuries part of the game but this is just blatant quitting.”

The Venue’s Response

Pickle & Chill, the host facility for the MLP Columbus event, issued an official statement addressing the controversy:

“Our facility has a long-standing reputation for hosting elite competition, including eight ATP and WTA professional tennis events, and we were the home to Ohio State’s Division I championship tennis program for 15 years. Currently, we are the home for a national tennis academy that trains top national junior and professional players.

Player safety is a top priority. While we have not experienced lighting concerns in the past, we take all feedback seriously and are reviewing the matter thoroughly.”

Implications for the Future of Professional Pickleball

This incident has raised several important questions about the future of professional pickleball:

1. Venue Standards: Should MLP and other professional leagues establish more stringent guidelines for lighting and other facility conditions?
2. Player Conduct: How should leagues address issues of perceived lack of effort or “tanking” in matches?
3. Contract Obligations: What responsibilities do players have to their teams and the league, and how should withdrawals be handled?
4. Fan Experience: How does this type of controversy impact the growing fanbase of professional pickleball?

As the sport continues to grow in popularity and professionalism, incidents like this will likely prompt serious discussions about player rights, league regulations, and the overall structure of professional pickleball tournaments.

Looking Ahead

The MLP Columbus event continues without the Johns brothers, with the Carolina Hogs facing an uphill battle using alternate players. The pickleball community will be watching closely to see how MLP and other professional organizations address the issues raised by this controversy.

For now, the focus remains on the ongoing matches and the talented players who continue to showcase their skills on the court. As the dust settles on this incident, it’s clear that professional pickleball is at a crucial juncture in its development, and how the sport’s governing bodies respond to these challenges will play a significant role in shaping its future.

Stay tuned to The Dink Pickleball for further updates and analysis as this story continues to develop.