Johns Brothers Hit with Largest Ever Pro Pickleball Fine for MLP Columbus Withdrawal

Ben and Collins Johns withdrew from MLP Columbus after just one match, citing safety concerns around the indoor lighting levels.

A source has confirmed to The Dink that Ben is being fined $60,000 while Collin will be fined $18,000. These figures represent their respective event payouts for the four matches they missed.

Ben's $60k represents the single largest fine levied in pro pickleball.

League Commissioner Samin Odhwani and UPA CEO Connor Pardoe said shortly after their withdrawal that the "UPA will be officially reviewing the full set of circumstances and context around the Carolina Hogs. Any potential disciplinary measures will be shared early next week."

Well, it's now the next week, the the disciplinary measures have been made known.

According to an MLP statement posted to X:

Ben Johns and Collin Johns have agreed to forfeit their event payouts for the four matches in which they did not appear.

Our Tour Operations Team will continue to aim to have lighting standards for all future events, while also balancing the realities of our event venues. Many factors go into the venues that MLP and PPA select, including operations, the opportunity to play in new communities, the ability to showcase the sports within iconic and unique facilities and more - all with the overarching goal to grow the game.

While specific dollar amounts were not cited in the statement, a source confirmed to us the above amounts.

The largest fine previously issued in pro pickleball was $50,000 to Andrei Daescu after one of his paddles failed testing due to the presence of a foreign substance.

This is a developing story; we'll update as we learn more.