Ben Johns Under Fire: Will MLP Punish The Star Pickler For Sudden Withdrawal?

Ben Johns and his brother Collin Johns’s decision to withdraw from the Major League Pickleball (MLP) Columbus leg just before their men’s doubles match in the tournament in Ohio has snowballed into a major controversy.

Ben, who has had an eye ailment since childhood, cited concerns about playing under artificial lights of the Pickle and Chill's indoor facility. Their withdrawal not only left their franchise, Carolina Hogs, in a fix during their tie against Phoenix Flames, but also caused a stir in the pickleball community. Several players, including Zane Navratil and Travis Rettenmaier, raised questions about the brothers' commitment to the game and to the fans.

Rettenmaier, a former tennis player turned pickler, asked, “How about the fans? Do they deserve a refund?” Navratil even called for Ben’s suspension from the PPA Tour.

Ben, however, justified his decision, calling it a precautionary measure to avoid injury. “I have 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,” he wrote in a retaliatory post on X.

The incident has split the American pickleball community. Ben Johns, considered the greatest pickleball star, received support from Dekel Bar, who in a lengthy post called for safer playing conditions.

“Players deserve to feel safe when they step on the court. The league (and tour) should establish minimum lighting standards - like every other professional sport. Courts should always have adequate spacing to prevent players from tripping, falling, or colliding with spectators. There should be clear guidelines for maximum wind conditions. Court colors should maximize playability. Drug testing would ensure a fair playing field for all,” Bar wrote in an Instagram post.

He added: “Pickleball has made tremendous strides in recent years, and there’s still a long road ahead. Let’s prioritize players’ needs to fuel pickleball’s growth and protect the people dedicating their lives to pickleball. Let’s work together to improve the game — not criticize those advocating for safety and fairness. Especially those who have done so much for the sport!”

Rettenmaier, however, was not on the same page with Bar. He countered him in a strongly worded reaction.

“You are killing me, Dekel Bar. Usually you are sensible. You have played Futures, Challengers, as have Nadal and Djokovic in FAR worse conditions,” Rettenmaier said, referring to Bar’s career as a tennis player.

“Can you imagine them not trying and then blaming their poor behavior/antics on exterior variables?”

“I respect your intent here, especially as your friendship with them (Ben and Collin) is evident, but do not let loyalty blind you from the obvious,” he wrote, taking a savage dig at Bar.

“WE OWE PICKLE, not the other way around, particularly for those making damn near 8 figures… Be a leader and guide the sport into the Promised Land like Federer, Kobe, Jordan, etc. I hope we only have progress from here, but actions have consequences… or at least they should,” Rettenmaier stated.

While the players have voiced their opinions on the Johns brothers’ decision to withdraw - leaving teams and fans disappointed - it remains to be seen whether MLP will take disciplinary action against them.

However, it may be unwarranted for MLP to wade into the controversy, especially when the decision to play or withdraw from a match lies entirely with the players.

MLP is already plagued with controversies, including incidents where Hayden Patriquin and Kate Fahey called opponents Anna Leigh Waters and Federico Staksrud “f**king b**ch" in front of a packed house. Abuses warrant disciplinary action, as MLP cannot allow such behaviour to become normalised within the sport.

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