Top-5 Parris Todd Fined $50,000 and Suspended After Japan Trip

The United Pickleball Association announced on January 1 that Parris Todd, ranked world No. 5, will pay a $50,000 fine and sit out two professional events after participating in several clinics, exhibitions, and broader pickleball activities in Japan beyond the scope of a limited waiver. UPA and PPA statements say Todd had requested and received written permission to teach a single camp abroad, but the final trip itinerary included additional, uncleared events.

The punishment will keep Todd out of the Carvana PPA Masters in mid-January and a Major League Pickleball event later in the season. UPA applied a lighter sanction in this case than the contract terminations it issued earlier for three other touring pros who attended the same Japan events. Those terminated players, James Ignatowich, Ryan Fu, and Vivian Glozman, have filed appeals of their contract terminations.

The ruling underscores how governing bodies are enforcing rules that limit international appearances and require explicit pre-approval for activities that could conflict with professional contracts and tour schedules. For clubs and promoters in Asia who invite international pros, the decision signals the need for clearer communication and confirmation that invited activities fall within any waivers players hold.

For coaches and touring players, the practical takeaway is direct: verify that written permissions cover the full itinerary before publicizing or adding clinics and exhibitions, and notify both the home tour and any relevant event organizers when plans change. Failure to do so now carries substantial financial and competitive consequences, and may affect rankings, sponsorship obligations, and team selections for league play.

Local tournaments and recreational centers that scheduled appearances relying on top pros should expect last-minute changes as the sport’s governing bodies tighten compliance. Spectators and community organizers in Asia planning events around marquee players need contingency plans and clear contractual language to avoid disruptions.

The UPA action and the ongoing appeals from other pros will be followed closely by players, coaches, and event planners across the region as pickleball’s global calendar becomes more regulated and professionalized.