Ben Johns and Collin Johns’ MLP Withdrawal: Ben Johns and Collin Johns, key players for the Carolina Hogs, withdrew from the Major League Pickleball (MLP) event in Columbus, Ohio, after experiencing lighting problems at the Pickle and Chill facility. Their decision came following a series of disappointing matches, leading to a viral social media reaction from players, officials, and fans.
The Matches Leading Up to the Withdrawal
The MLP Columbus event began on Thursday, with the Carolina Hogs facing the Phoenix Flames. The match ended in a Dreambreaker, with the Flames emerging victorious, 23-21. Liz Truluck replaced Kaitlyn Christian for the Hogs, as Christian was recovering from an injury.
MLP Columbus Starts with a Dreambreaker@MajorLeaguePB Orlando started with the Carolina Hogs vs. Phoenix Flames
WD – Carolina
MD – Phoenix
MXD1 – Phoenix – Tyson/Jessie beat Ben/Tammy
MXD2 – Carolina – Collin/Liz beat Jack/GenieLiz Truluck played for Kaitlyn Christian, due… pic.twitter.com/qxKwZoWqgN
— Erik Tice (@azetice) May 1, 2025
On Friday, the Carolina Hogs played against the Atlanta Bouncers. They won only one game, in women’s doubles. Ben and Collin Johns struggled in their singles and mixed doubles matches, leading to a 3-1 loss. Many fans noticed Ben Johns‘ lack of effort during the matches, with some clips shared on social media showing him seemingly disengaged from the game.
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The Withdrawal and Immediate Consequences
After the Atlanta match, Ben and Collin Johns announced they were withdrawing from the rest of the tournament due to the lighting conditions at the venue.
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The withdrawal left the Hogs without their top players, forcing them to rely on on-site alternates Martin Emmrich and Ross Whittaker, who had little experience in MLP. The Hogs played the Orlando Squeeze with these alternates, losing 4-0.
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Team Changes and Upcoming Matches
With Liz Truluck unavailable for the weekend, the Hogs turned to Zoey Weil as their female alternate. The team, consisting of Tammy Emmrich, Zoey Weil, Martin Emmrich, and Ross Whittaker, was set to play against the Chicago Slice, New York Hustlers, and Miami Pickleball Club. Due to the new rules involving on-site alternates, the Hogs had to start every match down 0-1.
Statement from UPA CEO @connorpardoe_pb and MLP Commissioner @SaminOdhwani
"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.
That said,…
— Major League Pickleball (@MajorLeaguePB) May 2, 2025
Reactions from Players and Officials
The withdrawal sparked reactions across social media. Zane Navratil, Will Howells, and Todd Fought shared their thoughts on the situation. A back-and-forth between Zane Navratil and Ben Johns followed, with Navratil criticizing Johns’ performance and Johns defending himself.
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The Pickle & Chill facility, where the event was held, issued a statement addressing the lighting issue. They emphasized their long-standing reputation for hosting professional tennis events and their commitment to player safety. The facility assured fans that the lighting concerns would be reviewed thoroughly.
Impact on the Tournament and the Future
The withdrawal of Ben and Collin Johns left the Carolina Hogs in a challenging position for the remainder of the 2025 MLP Columbus event. With limited resources, the team struggled against top competitors, and the outcome of their matches suffered. The situation raised questions about the impact of venue conditions on player performance and team dynamics in the MLP.
News in Brief: Ben Johns and Collin Johns’ MLP Withdrawal
Ben and Collin Johns withdrew from the MLP Columbus event after lighting issues at the Pickle and Chill facility. The Carolina Hogs, already missing Kaitlyn Christian, had to rely on alternate players for the rest of the tournament. Their withdrawal sparked reactions from players and officials.
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