MAJOR LEAGUE PICKLEBALL CONTROVERSY: Ben and Collin Johns Spark Chaos at 2025 MLP Event, Abruptly Withdraw Amid Medical Concerns
Major League Pickleball (MLP) has been thrown into turmoil following a dramatic and unexpected turn of events at the second event of the 2025 season. Ben Johns—widely considered the face of professional pickleball—and his brother and doubles partner Collin Johns have officially announced their withdrawal from the league, citing longstanding medical issues tied to their childhood as the primary reason. The announcement has stunned fans, fellow competitors, and MLP organizers alike, casting uncertainty over the remainder of the season and the league’s promotional future.
The controversy unfolded just hours before the Johns brothers were scheduled to compete in a marquee doubles match that had been heavily promoted as one of the weekend’s top draws. Instead, the pair issued a brief yet emotionally charged joint statement, confirming they would be stepping away from competition indefinitely. “After careful consideration and conversations with our families and doctors, we’ve decided to prioritize our long-term health,” the statement read. “Both of us have dealt with unresolved medical conditions dating back to childhood that have recently worsened under the demands of pro-level competition.”
The decision sent shockwaves through the pickleball world. Ben Johns, in particular, is a trailblazer in the sport, holding numerous titles and often referred to as the “GOAT” of pickleball. His exit—alongside his brother—comes at a time when the league is aggressively expanding and courting major media and sponsorship deals. Losing two of its most high-profile athletes so early in the season is a significant blow.
Several players and fans expressed concern, disappointment, and support on social media, with many praising the brothers for their transparency and courage in addressing personal health issues in such a public setting. However, the timing of the withdrawal—just minutes before their scheduled match—has sparked frustration among some event organizers and teams, who are now scrambling to revise brackets and refund ticketholders.
MLP officials have yet to comment in detail but confirmed that they are reviewing the situation and exploring options to fill the sudden competitive void. As the league navigates the fallout, questions linger about the brothers’ future in the sport and what this stunning exit means for the future of Major League Pickleball.
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