Lonnie Walker Says Coach Made the Call on His Absence, Not Him

Lonnie Walker addressed, for the first time on Tuesday, why he has not been included in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s lineup for four straight games, including the opening game of the Israeli league final series against Hapoel Tel Aviv and every game of the semifinal series against Hapoel Holon. He said criticism aimed at him was based on a false claim that he personally chose not to dress for the first semifinal against Holon.

“Before everyone starts sending threats and all kinds of strange things,” Walker wrote on social media, “I chose to sit out one game.” He said that during the air raid sirens and missile attacks, when people were forced into shelters and many schools and workplaces were closed, he was working hard to return to play. He then stressed, “All of those decisions are the coach’s, not mine!!! Now let’s take this championship. I’m ready at any moment!”

Walker later expanded on the matter in another post, saying, “It’s upsetting that I have to defend myself.” He said he loves Maccabi, its fans, and everyone who supports the team, and added that this is the second time he has dealt with missiles, in two different countries. “If I was really afraid, I would be at home,” he wrote, saying his loyalty to the club and his teammates kept him in Israel. He also said he lives by faith in God and refuses to live in fear.

He added that, in the end, he decided not to come and play that day, when his team and most of the foreign players also did not want to play. But, he said, he took the blame, “sacrificed” himself, and accepted the consequences. Walker said his concern for his mental and personal health is why he is still not playing, and insisted he will not allow himself to be portrayed as a villain. Separately, reports during the semifinal already suggested he could leave Maccabi Tel Aviv at the end of the season, despite having one more year on his contract. Club sources described the situation as sensitive, saying he is valued professionally and socially but is not currently in a condition to contribute as expected.