Hapoel Tel Aviv Basketball Team Faces Backlash After Super Cup Loss and Player Controversy
Hapoel Tel Aviv's basketball team is facing significant criticism following a heavy 101-83 defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Social Super Cup on Thursday. The loss, which dashed hopes of starting the season with a title, has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding player Elijah Bryant.
Bryant's absence from the game and his decision not to attend, even as a spectator, has drawn ire. He had missed the previous two practices, reportedly due to illness, with team sources indicating he required hospital treatment for a stomach ailment. While the team initially denied Bryant's absence from practice on Friday morning, his exclusion from the final game roster later that day confirmed his unavailability, with the club issuing a statement citing his illness and hospitalization, contradicting earlier statements.
Further fueling the controversy, social media posts emerged late Thursday showing Bryant allegedly at a barbershop around 10:18 PM, during the game. The club is investigating the authenticity and timing of these photos, which, if confirmed, would contradict the team's explanation for his absence. Club officials stated they were informed Bryant returned to his hotel room early after dinner, and one source expressed strong disapproval, vowing to investigate and respond accordingly.
The team's performance itself has also been heavily criticized, especially with their European EuroLeague season opener against Bayern Munich in Sofia just a week away. Owner Ofer Yanai addressed the team in the locker room post-game, followed by coach Dimitris Itoudis announcing an early morning practice and video session for Friday, which was later rescheduled.
Captain Bar Timor apologized to fans for the team's display, acknowledging the lack of energy and basic execution. He described the loss as a "slap" that should serve as a wake-up call, urging the team to unite and improve quickly. The low attendance of approximately 1,500 Hapoel fans, coupled with some supporters calling for Itoudis's resignation, added to the somber atmosphere.
