In what should have been a moment of triumph, professional pickleball star Ben Johns is now at the center of an unexpected controversy. Just days after being honored with the prestigious “Player of the Time” award — one of the sport’s highest individual accolades — internal tensions have erupted within his team, leading to confusion, frustration, and a bombshell statement from the award’s organizers that has rocked the community.
Johns, often regarded as one of the most dominant and influential figures in modern pickleball, was celebrated last week for his record-setting performance over the past season. His consistent wins, unmatched technique, and sheer influence on the game earned him the “Player of the Time” title, a new award introduced by the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) to recognize sustained excellence.
But the glow of celebration didn’t last long.
**Internal Struggles Emerge**
According to sources close to the team, the announcement of the award caught several members off guard. Rather than being a source of collective pride, it appears the recognition deepened existing divides. Some teammates reportedly felt overlooked or sidelined, especially in a season that was already marked by rumors of internal disagreements about strategy, coaching priorities, and leadership dynamics.
“This was supposed to be about all of us,” one anonymous team member told *Sod News*. “Yes, Ben has been amazing — no question. But when only one person is recognized, and others feel invisible, it creates a strain that’s hard to ignore.”
Another insider claimed that the team was not consulted or even informed in advance about the award’s timing or significance. “It felt like the organization was pushing a narrative without considering the locker room chemistry,” they said.
**The Shocking Statement**
Just when it seemed like the controversy might die down, the situation escalated further. On Monday morning, the IPF — the body behind the award — released an unexpected statement that has only added fuel to the fire.
In part, the statement read:
*“While Ben Johns’s contribution to the sport is undeniable, we regret the lack of comprehensive communication with his team and acknowledge that the rollout of the ‘Player of the Time’ award may have unintentionally caused division. Going forward, the award will undergo review, and its future format may be restructured to better reflect team collaboration as well as individual excellence.”*
The statement has stunned many within the pickleball world, including Johns himself, who has so far declined to comment directly. While it doesn’t revoke the award, it casts a shadow over the integrity of the process and seems to validate concerns voiced by his teammates.
Fans and fellow players have taken to social media with mixed reactions. Some argue that Johns deserves the praise, regardless of team tension. “He’s carried the sport forward. He shouldn’t be penalized for being the best,” wrote one supporter on X (formerly Twitter).
Others, however, sympathize with the team. “This isn’t tennis. Pickleball is a team sport at the highest level. Recognition should be more inclusive,” another commenter posted.
**What’s Next for Ben Johns and the Team?**
With the next major tournament looming just weeks away, the future of Johns’s team remains uncertain. Insiders suggest that emergency meetings are being held behind closed doors to rebuild trust and clarify roles. Whether those efforts succeed could determine the direction of the upcoming season.
As for Johns, the spotlight remains — but now, it’s not just for his legendary play on the court. In a twist no one saw coming, an award meant to celebrate greatness has instead uncovered the growing pains of a sport still learning how to balance individual stardom with team unity.