Hawks’ Rider Is Released After Showing Up Late

Isaiah Rider was released by the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night after he refused to accept a three-game suspension for showing up late for the Hawks’ 114-90 loss to the Boston Celtics at Atlanta.

Rider called himself the scapegoat for the Hawks’ problems and accused two of his teammates, Dikembe Mutombo and LaPhonso Ellis, of going to team management with allegations of marijuana abuse.

“It’s not fun to be with a team that doesn’t want you around and is looking for a reason to get rid of you,” said Rider, who led the Hawks in scoring but had been used sparingly since he showed up late for a March 9 game against the San Antonio Spurs.

Rider, who has continually run afoul of team rules since he was acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in August, was told after the last incident that he would be suspended for three games if he was late again.

He was 10 minutes late for Friday’s game.

Philadelphia 99, Utah 97--Allen Iverson, playing his first game since serving a one-game suspension for skipping a shootaround, scored 24 points and added nine assists at Philadelphia as the 76ers ended the Jazz’s nine-game winning streak.

Toronto 95, Orlando 91--Vince Carter scored 30 points at Toronto to lead the Raptors to their 10th victory in 11 games.

Indiana 111, Houston 102--Jalen Rose scored a career-high 35 points and Austin Croshere, starting in place of the injured Dale Davis, matched his career highs of 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Pacers at Indianapolis.

Golden State 95, Chicago 92--Mookie Blaylock scored 23 points and made consecutive three-point shots in the second overtime at Chicago to help the Warriors end an eight-game losing streak.

New York 118, Charlotte 99--Allan Houston scored 27 points for the Knicks at Charlotte, N.C.

Phoenix 101, Vancouver 86--Cliff Robinson scored 27 points and reserve Rodney Rogers scored 26 at Vancouver as the Suns handed the Grizzlies their 11th consecutive loss.

Around the League

Arbitrator Roger Kaplan said he will rule Tuesday on whether John Starks can forfeit the remainder of his salary, about $900,000, and leave the Chicago Bulls.