Major League Pickleball Controversy: Pickleball, a sport traditionally celebrated for its friendliness, inclusiveness, and good sportsmanship, has recently witnessed an unsettling surge in violent confrontations. Following a highly publicized incident in Mexico, where a player was kicked in the head during a match, another explosive altercation has happened at the Major League Pickleball (MLP) event. This latest episode, involving prominent players Will Howells and Christian Alshon, has left the pickleball community in shock.
The Heated Exchange Between Howells and Alshon
During a tense match, the exchange between Will Howells and Christian Alshon took a dramatic turn. What began as a long rally ended with an emotional outburst. After Howells’s partner hit a shot that landed at the net, Alshon erupted in a celebratory display.
His yelling and taunting of the opponents seemed to escalate the tension, and in a split second, Howells retaliated by tossing the ball toward Alshon. The ball struck Alshon on the neck, prompting an immediate complaint to the umpire.
The incident was captured by The Kitchen Pickleball and shared on social media, where the caption read, “Better than a kick to the face. ♂️” Howells, known for his sense of humor, added a cheeky comment in response, saying, “Oopsies,” before adding,
“Upon reflection, I should’ve hit it much harder. Doesn’t matter though, still caught a W.” – (Howells)
View this post on Instagram
Christian Alshon’s Response and Fans’ Reactions
Christian Alshon, who made history as the first player to win championships at the Challenger and Premier levels in MLP, has built a solid reputation in pickleball.
However, this incident has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans were disturbed by his aggressive behavior during his celebration and his response to the ball toss. His actions have led to a growing divide in public opinion, with many questioning the sportsmanship of both players involved.
The Recent Mexico Incident and Rising Frustration
This latest MLP incident comes just days after an alarming altercation at a pickleball event in Mexico. The confrontation during a championship match left player Peter Shonk on the ground after an opponent kicked him in the head.
“I was just fired up after the win. I went to tap his paddle, and it fell out of his hand. I immediately bent to pick it up (for him) — no bad intentions — but what happened next shocked everyone.” – (Peter Shonk)
The incident occurred when the player, wearing pink shorts, was called for a foot fault, which led to a loss of the match point. In retaliation, the opponent kicked Shonk, knocking him to the ground. Thankfully, Shonk wasn’t seriously injured, though the event showed the rising frustration levels in competitive pickleball.
“I have a family, two healthy businesses, and I play pickleball for recreation and challenge. I don’t have time to waste with this guy.” – (Peter Shonk)
News in Brief: Major League Pickleball Controversy
In two recent incidents, pickleball has been ruined by shocking displays of aggression. At a Major League Pickleball (MLP) event, players Will Howells and Christian Alshon engaged in a heated exchange that saw Howells toss a ball at Alshon, striking him in the neck.
This comes shortly after a violent altercation at a tournament in Mexico, where a player kicked Peter Shonk in the head following a foot fault. Both incidents have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the growing tension within the sport.
ALSO READ: JW Johnson Leads Dallas Flash to Premier Level Title in 2024 MLP Orlando Playoffs