2 Maccabi Tel Aviv Players Investigated; Accused of Breaking COVID-19 Rules

Two members of the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team are being investigated following accusations that they violated quarantine restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Per Sports Illustrated's Sam Amico, the team announced the investigation into Angelo Caloiaro and Sandy Cohen after both players were allegedly seen and photographed outdoors, which is a violation of Israeli Winner League's established rules of confinement. 

Omri Casspi, Maccabi Tel Aviv captain, issued an official statement to the Basketball Winner League Administration condemning the rules on quarantine:

"This exaggerated request by the league administration that players have to be in complete quarantine without the ability to go out and buy necessities, medication from the pharmacy or to walk their dog just outside of their home (This is a harsher than the country's quarantine when the virus was spreading at its peak) is inhumane on every level. In addition, the professional and medical staff that are with the team aren't required to hold by the same quarantine regulations that we are as mentioned above, even though they are with the players day in and day out. Athletes are under extreme pressure and duress and to expect them to be in full quarantine, especially today when mental health is at the forefront of society, this is a scandalous demand."

Israeli Winner League directors voted in May to resume the 2019-20 season on June 20, with practices starting on June 1. Foreign players who weren't currently in Israel were required to return to the country by May 17 for a mandatory 14-day quarantine. 

Amico noted Caloiaro and Cohen could be subject to a fine and/or suspension if it is determined they violated league rules. 

Maccabi Tel Aviv had the league's best record when play was suspended in March (19-2).