The Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team this week released Joel Kramer, a highly touted former player in the United States’ National Basketball Association who had signed a contract with the Maccabi team for a reported $100,000 a year.
The 28-year-old Kramer, who starred in his collegiate career at San Diego State University and then went on to play for the Phoenix Suns, signed a one-year contract last year with Maccabi Tel Aviv, the leading club in the National Basketball league. The contract provided an option for two succeeding years, which management and Kramer agreed to waive mutually.
He reportedly became very discontent with the new coach of the Tel Aviv team, Zvica Scherf, and also with developments within the managerial ranks of the organization. A prelude to Kramer’s imminent departure occurred last Christmas when the Maccabi team played in a tournment in London and Kramer did not suit up for the contest.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.