Travis Rettenmaier Criticizes Collin Johns: In a recent episode of his popular Instagram series, “Unfiltered with the Rattlesnake,” pickleball pro-Travis Rettenmaier delivered a scathing critique of Collin Johns and the current state of professional pickleball. Known for his candid takes on the sport, Rettenmaier’s latest comments cut deep, focusing not just on Johns’ controversial remarks but on a broader issue he believes ruins the sport today: a lack of gratitude and accountability.
A Dose of Reality from the Rattlesnake
Rettenmaier’s central argument revolves around the notion that current pickleball pros, including Johns, owe a debt of gratitude for the opportunities they have. “Every current pickleball pro has a responsibility to build the sport and should be grateful that they ‘lucked’ into this as a career,” Rettenmaier asserts. He highlights the unexpected boom in pickleball’s popularity and the influx of money into the sport as factors that have transformed it into a profitable career path for many players.
According to Rettenmaier, the sport’s rapid growth and the substantial financial rewards it offers are not to be taken for granted. “No one could have predicted that pickleball would be where it is right now,” he notes. The sport’s success, he argues, demands that players like Johns and others on the pro circuit actively contribute to its further development. “Our job, as the initial pickleball players getting paid, is to build up the game,” he emphasizes, showing the responsibility of pros to elevate the sport and engage fans.
The Need for Accountability
Rettenmaier doesn’t shy away from addressing the performance issues that have recently surfaced. He criticizes the lackluster effort displayed by some top players, including the Johns brothers, at the recent MLP event in Salt Lake City. “If you watched MLP this weekend, as a fan that I am, it was hard to watch,” he says candidly. Rettenmaier is particularly dismayed by the apparent lack of effort from Ben and Collin Johns, describing their performance as “embarrassing” and a disservice to the sport.
Drawing a comparison to tennis, Rettenmaier argues that professional pickleball needs to adopt more stringent rules and penalties to address underperformance and lack of effort. “In tennis, if you show that you aren’t trying, then you’re fined and maybe even suspended,” he explains. He demands a similar system in pickleball, suggesting that penalties should be “severe, steep, strong, and swift” to maintain the sport’s integrity and reputation.
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Rettenmaier’s message is clear and uncompromising. “It’s a f**ing shame man; I’m embarrassed,” he says, reflecting his frustration with the current state of professional pickleball. His call for greater accountability and respect for the sport is a reminder that, as pickleball continues to grow, maintaining its credibility and professionalism is paramount.
News in Brief: Travis Rettenmaier Criticizes Collin Johns
In a recent episode of “Unfiltered with the Rattlesnake,” pickleball pro Travis Rettenmaier sharply criticized Collin Johns and the state of professional pickleball. Rettenmaier argued that current pros, including Johns, should be grateful for the sport’s unexpected success and the financial opportunities it offers. He expressed frustration with recent performances, notably at the MLP event in Salt Lake City, where he found the effort from top players like the Johns brothers lacking.
Rettenmaier called for stricter rules and penalties, similar to those in tennis, to address underperformance and maintain the sport’s integrity. His comments show the need for accountability and respect as pickleball continues to evolve.
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