Pro Pickleball Star Ben Johns Gives Up $60K After Walking Out of MLP Columbus

Pro pickleball superstar Ben Johns walked away from a potential $60,000 payday at MLP Columbus, citing dangerous lighting conditions at the Pickle & Chill venue. His brother Collin also withdrew, leaving their team, the Carolina Hogs, scrambling for replacements. The Johns brothers’ exit sparked heated social media debates about player safety versus commitment. The venue’s subpar illumination, combined with Ben’s previous eye injury, made the decision clear – though the consequences would ripple through professional pickleball.

Star pickleball player Ben Johns walked away from a potential $60,000 payday at MLP Columbus, citing dangerous lighting conditions at the Pickle & Chill venue. His brother Collin joined him in the withdrawal, leaving their team, the Carolina Hogs, scrambling to find last-minute replacements. The timing couldn’t have been worse.

The lighting issue wasn’t just about comfort – it was personal for Ben. Having previously struggled with an eye injury, he wasn’t about to risk his safety for a paycheck. The Pickle & Chill facility features 22 total courts between indoor and outdoor spaces. The multiple courts at Pickle & Chill apparently didn’t offer much in the way of proper illumination, and the Johns brothers weren’t having it.

The Carolina Hogs paid dearly for their stars’ departure. They had to rely on alternates Martin Emmrich and Ross Whittaker – and thanks to new rules, using replacements meant starting matches at a disadvantage. Whittaker, with limited PPA Tour experience, found himself thrown into the deep end. The results? A brutal 4-0 loss to the Orlando Squeeze in regulation. The team’s only bright spot came earlier when they managed to secure women’s doubles victory against Atlanta Bouncers.

The league tried to save face by moving matches to better courts, but the damage was done. Social media exploded with opinions, and fans couldn’t stop debating whether the Johns brothers made the right call. Some praised their stance on safety, while others questioned their commitment. The involvement of NBA superstars in MLP ownership has raised expectations for professional standards across the league.

The financial hit wasn’t just about the lost prize money. The withdrawal raised eyebrows about potential impacts on sponsorships and future opportunities. But for Ben Johns, apparently, some things matter more than money. The message was clear: fix the lighting, or don’t expect top players to risk their careers.

The episode forced the league to face some uncomfortable questions about venue conditions. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hogs learned the hard way that having backup plans isn’t just good practice – it’s crucial.

In the end, this wasn’t just about lightbulbs and bank accounts. It was about setting standards in a sport that’s still finding its professional footing.