Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Lies, Threats & Deception | Players Collective v MLP - King Of The Court Podcast

 

The Court of Public Opinion: Pro Pickleballers Make Their Case

Players collective challenges league, businessman accused of shady dealings, and a lively debate around coach compensation


The professional pickleball landscape has seen its share of drama in recent years with the emergence of two rival leagues, but the off-season is bringing even more intrigue. On the latest episode of their popular King of the Court podcast, hosts and pro players Tyler Loong and Jimmy Miller dove into several hot button issues.

  1. Players Collective Sounds Off Against Major League Pickleball
    Timecode: 3:30

After recapitulating recent league mergers and ownership changes, the hosts detailed the formation of a "players collective" consisting of over 100 but unnamed pro players across both Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). The group has retained lawyers and leveled complaints of "bullying" negotiating tactics and arbitrary salary cuts against the leadership of MLP.


MLP returned fire with a letter claiming 85% of "premier players" accepted offer reductions, citing $50 million in new capital to fund operations for three years. But the players collective called the percentage misleading and said stars felt threatened into agreeing. Furthermore, the letter stated failure to finalize a merger with PPA by January 2024 would nullify new contracts, painting a dire picture of MLP's future prospects.


The hosts criticized the letter as "asinine" for openly casting doubts on league stability and giving leverage to PPA. Ultimately both sides appear entrenched, but resolution may emerge once concrete contract offers materialize.

  1. Debate Around Coach Compensation Heats Up
    Timecode: 22:10

Player Lea Jansen recently argued on social media that MLP coaches are overpaid, leading the hosts to unpack a layered discussion around their value.


They first established the contours for their own team's newly hired coach - experienced but moderately compensated, actively engaged in film study and strategy as opposed to just conducting warm-ups. The hosts believe pickleball coaches can provide critical outside perspective to players absorbed in competition, identify weaknesses and areas for improvement, and suggest strategic adjustments.


However, they conceded not all coaches necessarily merit high salaries reserved for the likes of Kyle Yates McKenzie. The quality of insight seems paramount - are coaches actually providing meaningful analysis or merely spewing banalities? The hosts feel current top players excelling at doubles like Lucy Kovalova could excel coaching as well.


Ultimately staffs are essential for teams to function professionally, but compensation should align with tangible contributions. And challenger coaches likely should not earn more than players themselves. The unique conflicts of interest embedded in pickleball's culture - with commentators, players, and owners switching hats - would likely not fly in more mature sports leagues.


  1. Controversy Engulfs Pickleball Rocks
    Timecode: 35:15

A supporter's public allegations of failing to repay personal loans against businessman Rodney Grubbs, owner of apparel brand and clinic operator Pickleball Rocks, have exploded into a wider controversy. The initial social media post triggered an avalanche of over 40 similar complaints totaling up to $1 million in unpaid debts.


The hosts stressed withholding judgement given only one side's perspective. Still, they outlined glaring red flags - the complete severing of communication, refusal to open books, and lack of documented losses to account for spent funds all point to willful deception rather than just poor business practices. Multiple investors now seek legal remedy.


In highlighting Grubbs' once-sterling reputation, the hosts rued pickleball's unique vulnerability to such attacks. The sport's communal ethos engenders misplaced trust allowing bad actors to exploit smaller personal loans. Yet they also celebrated entrepreneurialism, citing counter-examples like The Pickler franchise studios. Ultimately caution remains essential in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.


In closing the podcast, hosts thanked sponsors and offered enthusiastic takes on 2024 prospects. Loong eyes a top 10 doubles ranking alongside a "challenger MVP" while also committing to improved fitness. Miller hopes to attend more amateur tournaments and build channel viewership. Despite past tumults, pickleball heads towards an even brighter future.


Article Summary: The latest episode of popular pickleball podcast King of the Court analyzed several pressing off-season issues - the formation of a players "collective" airing grievances towards Major League Pickleball's leadership, appropriate coach compensation within the nascent sport, allegations of predatory business practices against a prominent owner, and lively debates sparked by fan questions on assorted topics. Hosts Tyler Loong and Jimmy Miller believe friction stemming from league mergers will eventually subside, enabling pickleball to resume its ascendant growth in 2024.

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