Hawks Suspend Rider 1 Game
Isaiah Rider's pattern of trouble continued Monday as the Atlanta Hawks, citing an accumulation of violations of team rules dating to the start of training camp, suspended the guard for one game.
Rider, who is averaging 18 points a game, including 24 Sunday night as the Hawks lost 93-88 to the Los Angeles Lakers to fall to 1-6, will miss Tuesday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets, said general manager Pete Babcock.
Rider came to the Hawks in August in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, saying he was looking forward to a new start in Atlanta, but began by missing the opening of training camp.
He was excused from the team's opener so he could attend his grandfather's funeral, but then failed to return to the team for practice.
Rider, whose history of NBA offenses dates to his first pro practice with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1993, when he showed up late, has been adding to his list of offenses ever since. It includes feuds with coaches and convictions for marijuana possession and assault.
Babcock said he does not regret the deal that sent Steve Smith to Portland and brought Rider to the Hawks.
"We knew his history extremely well," Babcock said. "This isn't a surprise. We're disappointed."
As for Rider's performance on the court, Babcock said, "Our team has not played well."
The Hawks are scheduled to practice Wednesday morning, when Rider is supposed to rejoin the team. Asked whether he expects Rider to show up, Babcock said, "Stay tuned."
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