
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

Legendary Fortnite player Tfue talks pickleball: 'I had my fair share of getting whooped by the elderly'
He put his skills on display during the Celebrity Pickleball Showdown at Worlds.
8 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy

MLP announces partnership with Owl AI to streamline line calls and video challenges
Automatic line calling is coming to Major League Pickleball in 2026.
11 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Hangzhou Wednesday Recap: Massive comeback helps Wei, Garnett reach mixed doubles semifinals
Wednesday's action at Lin Ping Sports Center certainly brought the heat.
13 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

An early look at the 2026 MLP Draft
Smart teams will plot multiple strategies so they can react to an ever-changing player landscape.
15 hours ago
-Jim Kloss