FBI agents searched the home of former pickleball apparel company owner, Rodney “Rocket” Grubbs, in Brookville, IN on Monday. 

Grubbs founded Pickleball Rocks, a pickleball gear and apparel company that was caught up in a major scandal that made headlines... courtesy of the man himself.

Grubbs is accused of stealing upwards of $60 million from investors who bought into the company. 

The scandal was brought to light in December 2023 when a well-meaning pickleball fan and investor uncovered that the brand was allegedly funded by issuing promissory notes starting at $25,000 at 12% interest. 

Grubbs received investments from over 500 people, and many of those individuals have not been repaid. 

In February 2024, Grubbs was deemed the “Pickleball Swindler” after scamming an estimated $47 million from investors.

Interestingly enough, Grubbs has not been charged with a crime. He has only received a cease and desist order from the state to “stop an alleged fraudulent investment scheme concerning a pickleball apparel and equipment company All About Pickleball LLC., also known as ‘Pickleball Rocks.’”

In response, a group of creditors compelled Grubbs into involuntary bankruptcy, which also forced him to close his store and auction off his pickleball gear in an attempt to repay his investors in September.

But, this entire situation reached a whole new level this month when reports showed the FBI conducting a search of Grubbs’ home. 

Agents were seen carrying away boxes from the house. According to WRTV, an FBI spokesperson said agents were executing a search warrant, but did not disclose what prompted the search. And there is no official statement on the status of a potential criminal charge against Grubbs.

The FBI is also asking potential victims who invested in Pickleball Rocks to fill out this form. You identity will remain completely confidential. 

The most heartbreaking part of this story is unquestionably the victims who were taken advantage of by Grubbs. Story after story has emerged from friends, partners, and pickleball community members who believed Grubbs’ claims. Unfortunately, the number of victims only continues to grow. 

As much as players love the picklesphere, sometimes there are people who exploit the community. With that in mind, be careful, be safe, and hopefully justice will be served with an ace. 

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