
Johns bros pull out of MLP Columbus due to lighting; Emmrich, Whittaker to fill in
Ben and Collin Johns are pulling out of all their remaining matches at MLP Columbus due to lighting, a source on-site confirmed to Pickleball.com early Friday afternoon.
The brothers compete for the Carolina Hogs, who have an 0-4 record after losing to the Phoenix Flames on Thursday and the Atlanta Bouncers on Friday.
ADVERTISEMENT
One consideration here is that Ben has damage in one eye from a childhood sledding accident and does not wear protective eyewear. That combination can make inadequate lighting a bigger issue for him than for other players.
Carolina has four more matches to play this weekend in Columbus, so Martin Emmrich and Ross Whittaker will fill in for those contests because Brandon French—the Hogs-third rostered male—did not travel with the team.
Additionally, Zoey Weil will replace Liz Truluck in Carolina's matches on Saturday and Sunday.
Related articles

Pickleball pros share New Year’s resolutions
Chris Haworth, Jay Devilliers, and the Brascia sisters have some fun goals for 2026.
17 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy

UPA hands Parris Todd two-event suspension, $50,000 fine
The $50,000 fine matches the highest amount that the UPA has ever fined a player for a single infraction.
1 day ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Looking back at the biggest moments from the 2025 PPA Tour season
What a year it has been in pro pickleball.
2 days ago
-Will Daughton

Fahey featured in SportsCenter’s ‘Year in Review’ piece
Pro pickleball continues to make appearances in mainstream media.
4 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff