Pubdate: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 Source: Los Angeles Times (CA) Website: http://www.latimes.com/ Feedback: http://www.latimes.com/siteservices/talk_contacts.htm Address: Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053 Email: 2000 Los Angeles Times Forum: http://www.latimes.com/discuss/ Fax: (213) 237-7679 Author: Tim Brown RIDER REPORTEDLY AT ODDS WITH NBA OVER AFTER-CARE NEW YORK--Isaiah Rider has chosen not to comply with the terms of the NBA's drug after-care program because he believes he should not have been assigned to it, according to a source with knowledge of what could become a spirited conflict between the league and the players' association. Rider is protesting the NBA's directive that he be tested and report for counseling, the common approach for a first-time offender. Rider, however, has insisted that he is not officially an offender, and therefore the league does not have the authority to pursue its testing. The situation stems from an incident last season, when Rider played for the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta General Manager Pete Babcock said then that he received a telephone call from a security officer for an Orlando hotel, where the Hawks had recently stayed. The officer allegedly discovered evidence of marijuana use in Rider's vacated room, and Babcock said he notified league security, which investigated. Rider later accused teammates Dikembe Mutombo and LaPhonso Ellis of snitching. However, Rider will claim that while he was accused of drug use on that occasion, it was not established as fact. Rider faces fines and suspensions from the league, along with disciplinary measures by the Lakers, over the latest charges. It is possible the NBA, whose offices are in New York, would take advantage of the Laker trip here and try to meet with Rider. The trouble comes at a time when Rider is playing his best basketball of the season, Friday night proving his contention that the offense can be balanced and serve its superstars. "Collectively, for a few guys to have double figures and Shaq and Kobe to still have their games and other guys help, it was good for the team," he said. "It was a good lift." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth