Rider Says Report Is Old Story

Isaiah Rider, who in recent weeks had tried to become an on-court conscience for the Lakers, has been accused of off-court misbehavior again.

A report in Friday’s New York Post asserted that Rider had violated terms of an NBA after-care program by refusing to submit to recent drug tests. Rider was convicted of marijuana possession four years ago, and last season accused teammates of reporting alleged marijuana use to the NBA.

NBA Commissioner David Stern sent a letter to Rider demanding compliance, according to the report, which quoted an anonymous source.

Rider said Friday night that he was undaunted by the report.

“Honestly, this stuff is stemming from last year,” he said. “It’s not difficult. It’s something that’s going to get resolved.

“It’s going to work out. It’s unfortunate [the Post] did what it did. I think [the reporter] is going to have to live with his actions. It’s something I’ve got to deal with when I go to New York. I’m going to talk to their offices.

Billy Hunter, executive director of the NBA players association, issued a statement that read, “Under the terms of our collective bargaining agreement, all parties are prohibited from disclosing any information relating to the anti-drug program. Accordingly, neither the players association nor J.R. Rider will respond to the allegations made by a New York Post columnist [Friday], other than to say that the report is filled with inaccuracies.”

The Lakers were contacted recently by the NBA about a matter pertaining to Rider.

“We’re not allowed to comment,” Laker Coach Phil Jackson said. “And we have no knowledge of that, according to the contract. I think a statement was issued by the players association.

“It’s unfair to J.R., based on what the situation is. We just hope he can play, and not let it affect him.”

After some early-season issues with tardiness, Rider has been a decent citizen. Lately, he’d taken Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant to task for not involving their teammates in the offense.

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Jackson said Friday that Glen Rice and he had no problems, despite Rice’s claims otherwise.

Asked if he was surprised by the rancor with which the former Laker expressed his resentment toward him, Jackson said he’d first consider the source.

“Who knows? This is second- and third-hand,” Jackson said. “Especially when New York journalists try to put words in players’ mouths. I’d have to have Glen say it personally to me before I really feel the rancor of it all.”