Rider article

[bocelts@scsn.net (R. Bentz Kirby)]

> Blazers fine Rider for missing practice
>
>
>           Associated Press
>
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>           PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Trail Blazers fined Isaiah Rider for missing practice
>           Tuesday, but he was in the starting lineup Wednesday night when Portland met the
>           Indiana Pacers.
>
>           Portland coach Mike Dunleavy said the fine was "about $2,000." Rider has missed two
>           practices and one shootaround this season.
>
>           Rider said after Wednesday's shootaround that he missed the practice
>           to attend to "personal business."
>
>           Dunleavy said he accepted Rider's explanation but warned that more
>           severe penalties could be ahead if there are more offenses.
>
>           "As far as the next one, depending on what his reason is, there is a
>           suspension, possibly," Dunleavy said. "It will be up to me."
>
>           Dunleavy said Rider did not call to tell him he would miss the workout.
>
>           "The unfortunate part about it is had he called me before practice, he would have had an
>           excused absence," Dunleavy said.
>
>           As for the fact that it has happened more than once, Dunleavy said, "It's a distraction.
>           You don't like distractions, especially when you've got things going good."
>
>           Rider has been suspended by the NBA for a total of five games this season, two for
>           off-court trouble in the past and three for spitting at a heckling fan in Detroit.
>
Seems like Rider continues to have problems even without PJ in town.

Does anyone know why Charles Barkley withdrew his threat to organize a
boycott of the Allstar Game?


--

Peace,

Bentz
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