Tyson McGuffin Wins Match, Loses His Cool In Cincinnati
The 2023 Cincinnati Open concluded on Sunday after an eventful week full of drama, upsets and shocking moments on and off the court. The pickleball tournament also featured fireworks off the court, with a heated exchange between two of the sport's biggest stars.
After winning in the round of 16 on Friday, Tyson McGuffin angrily accosted opponent Tyler Loong with expletives that was streamed on live on YouTube. Loong later claimed he was "taken by surprise" and unaware of any previous bad blood between the two.
After Match, War of Words Erupts Among Pickleball Stars
CINCINNATI — Amid the genteel world of professional pickleball, accusations of profanity, insults and family remarks have erupted after a tournament match last week, sparking questions about decorum in the fast-growing sport.
The controversy stems from a second-round men’s singles match between Tyler Loong,, a pickleball podicast personality and pro player, and Tyson McGuffin, a top-ranked veteran. Despite losing the close match, Mr. Loong became the target of an expletive-laced tirade from Mr. McGuffin afterward.
“He tapped me on the butt and said ‘good job,’” Mr. Loong recounted on his latest podcast. “Then he just lost it, raging and calling me an ‘effing F.’”
Mr. Loong’s podcast co-host, Jimmy Miller, confirmed his account: “You can hear he’s just seething in the interview after. He said ‘boys will be boys’ but keep my family’s name out of your mouth.”
The heated exchange appears tied to rising acrimony between Mr. McGuffin and the hosts of the popular “King of the Court” pickleball podcast, after initial praise.
“He went from saying he loved our podcast to telling people he hated it and wanted to choke Jimmy out,” said Mr. Loong, who believes Mr. McGuffin’s temper stems partly from estranged partnerships.
“He has a history of ditching partners like Tyler, Callan and Lea,” Mr. Miller said.
Mr. McGuffin accused the hosts of insulting his wife, Meg, which they strongly deny. “I challenge anyone to find a clip of us saying anything negative about Meg,” said Mr. Miller.
As the war of words continues within the genteel pickleball community, questions swirl about how much vitriol is acceptable among competitors. For now, the budding feud shows no signs of relenting.
“More stories and information about [Mr. McGuffin] may come out soon,” warned Mr. Miller.
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