Top-ranked pro Parris Todd has been issued a $50,000 fine and suspended for two UPA events for her involvement in an event in Japan earlier this December.
Todd joined three other pros – James Ignatowich, Ryan Fu, and Vivian Glozman – for a series of clinics and exhibitions hosted by the Pickleball Japan Federation in Tokyo’s Ariake Tennis Park around Dec. 10.
Erik Tice
By all accounts, a different pro, Tyra Black, was scheduled to attend but opted out last minute. Todd joined in her place.
League officials confirmed to The Dink that her suspension will include one MLP event and one PPA event.
Ignatowich, Fu, and Glozman were terminated for their involvement in the unsanctioned event, but have since filed an appeal.
"The terms of each player’s contract are confidential, however, participating in competitor events is a black-and-white violation of UPA agreements," the UPA posted to Instagram when announcing the players' terminations.
In their appeal, the three players stated:
"Nothing in our contracts prohibited this activity. We did not compete in another league, promote a rival tour, or receive compensation of any kind."
In a brief statement, Jeff Watson, VP of Communications and Marketing for the UPA, told The Dink on Dec. 22: “The UPA has received an appeal and will take the appropriate next steps to evaluate.”
Todd was a late addition to the Japan event. We're told she did submit prior approval through proper league channels, but the nature and scope of the event was different from what was originally described.
Todd is currently ranked #5 in women's singles and #7 in women's doubles on the PPA Tour.
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