Hayden Patriquin and Anna Leigh Waters’ Controversy: In a recent episode of the Bad Calls – Pickleball Podcast, Hayden Patriquin opened up about his on-court exchange with Anna Leigh Waters during a Major League Pickleball (MLP) match. The exchange, which became the center of controversy, stirred up discussions within the pickleball community. Patriquin addressed the incident, his emotions, and the reactions from fans, teammates, and fellow players.
The Incident on Court
During a heated MLP match, Hayden Patriquin and his partner Kate Fahey faced off against Anna Leigh Waters and Will. Patriquin shared that the moment became tense when Waters laughed at him after the game. He confronted her, asking why she was laughing, and Waters responded, “That’s what you deserve,” referring to his earlier remarks.
Patriquin, clearly frustrated, used strong language in his reply, something he now admits was a mistake. “I shouldn’t have said what I said,” he reflected. He was quick to clarify, however, that his words weren’t meant to be directed at Waters personally, but were a response to the tension between the two. He also emphasized that this wasn’t an instance of him being a sore loser but rather a moment where emotions got the best of him.
A Competitive and Mutual Respect Between Players
Patriquin and Waters have a history of competitiveness, but they’ve always maintained a friendly relationship off the court. “Our relationship has always been good,” Patriquin said, describing their interactions as respectful, despite moments of on-court tension.
He added that they’ve both had their fair share of intense moments but have always cleared the air afterward. He noted that after the match, they usually check in and reaffirm their mutual respect, as competitors, but also as friends.
Still, Patriquin recognizes that his words were wrong and that he could have handled the situation better. The incident sparked backlash online, with some criticizing his language, while others came to his defense, arguing that heated exchanges are a normal part of competitive sports.
“Chirping is good for pickleball,” he said, acknowledging that trash-talking can fuel the intensity of the game, but he emphasized the need for accountability when things go too far.
Impact of the Incident on Pickleball and the Role of MLP
Despite the controversy, Patriquin believes that the incident will ultimately help grow the sport. Major League Pickleball (MLP) quickly responded, stating that both players are young, passionate, and will learn from the incident. Patriquin agreed with this stance, expressing that any publicity, good or bad, can help the sport’s visibility. “Bad publicity, whatever it is, it’s all good,” he said.
The involvement of Waters’ mother, Leigh Waters, was also mentioned in the podcast. As a parent, she defended her daughter’s actions in the moment but later reminded her to be careful with her reactions. “I respect it,” Patriquin acknowledged, but also pointed out that Waters’ claim of being shoved wasn’t accurate, which could have caused problems for the person who intervened.
Looking forward, Patriquin suggested that MLP could implement clearer guidelines about player interaction during matches to avoid such situations in the future. He added that, ideally, there would be someone to mediate if tensions run high between players during intense moments.
News in Brief: Hayden Patriquin and Anna Leigh Waters’ Controversy
Hayden Patriquin discussed his controversial exchange with Anna Leigh Waters during a Major League Pickleball match. The incident sparked backlash, but Patriquin acknowledged his mistake and emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive spirit. Both players have a history of mutual respect, and the situation has become a point of discussion for the sport’s growth.