Thousands of pickleball paddles, hats, and other equipment are currently up for auction after an infamous business supported by community members was forced to file for bankruptcy.
Pickleball Rocks, called “The world’s most recognized pickleball apparel brand” by its founder Rodney Grubbs, accrued $47.5 million in debt after Grubbs issued promissory notes to investors typically worth tens of thousands...and then couldn't pay many of them back.
The Pickleball Rocks warehouse of gear, merch, and more is being auctioned off from July 22nd to the 28th via Christy's of Indiana. While it seems the auction house prefers local pickup, bidders who would require shipping have been asked to email their representatives.
Final proceeds from the auction will benefit the victims of Grubbs' scam.
Find all of the backstory in our original article: "Details Emerge in Pickleball's Biggest Financial Scandal."
But for those unfamiliar with Rodney Grubbs and Pickleball rocks, here's what you need to know:
- Grubbs is reportedly worth $1.6 million - quite a bit short of the $47.5 million he owes back to investors
- He says he "never issued a loan he didn’t intend to repay"
- Grubbs attributes lingering effects from the pandemic to his business slowing to the point where it was impossible for him to pay back his investors
- But many investors, including an 87-year-old who says Grubbs pressured her into using some of her retirement, say he should be held accountable for the money borrowed
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