Loni Walker Explains Absence After Being Left Out of Maccabi’s Finals Roster

After Maccabi Tel Aviv released its roster for Game 1 of the playoff final series against Hapoel Tel Aviv, in which Loni Walker was left out, the guard posted an Instagram story addressing both his omission and his earlier decision not to play in the first game of the series against Hapoel Holon.

Walker wrote, “Before everybody starts sending threats and all that weird stuff, I chose to sit out one game.” He said that choice came during air-raid sirens and a missile attack, when people had to go to shelters and many schools and workplaces were also shut down.

“I worked very hard hoping to come back and play. Those are all the coach’s decisions, not mine,” Walker added. “Now let’s bring it. I’m ready when needed.”

As recalled in the report, Walker was listed for the first game against Holon but decided not to come to the arena or play, saying he was not ready after the difficult 24 hours he had gone through because of the Iranian attack on the evening and night before the game.