Ex-NBA champion Isaiah Rider has been arrested for failing to appear at a court hearing just over two weeks after violating a protective order.
Rider, who picked up a championship ring during his spell with the Los Angeles Lakers, was first arrested back on December 4 and charged with one count of interfering with judicial proceedings over a protective order filed by his ex-wife, Vanessa.
Vanessa accused the 54-year-old of being aggressive with her and their 15-year-old son on numerous occasions, an allegation which was denied by Rider – who believes she is merely out for revenge after he filed for divorce in November 2024.
The protective order which was granted required him to have no contact with his wife or their son and stay away from both their residence and their son’s school.
A hearing was then scheduled for December 15 to determine whether the order should continue, yet according to TMZ, Rider has now been arrested once more after failing to show.
Court documents reportedly state that Vanessa was present for the hearing, meaning the judge signed off on keeping the order in place.
Ex-NBA champion Isaiah Rider has been arrested for failing to appear at a court hearing
Rider, who picked up a championship ring during his time with the Lakers, was due in court over a protective order filed by his ex-wife
Law enforcement in Arizona is quoted as saying: ‘An individual named Isaiah Rider was arrested earlier today on a warrant for failing to appear at a court hearing on December 15.’
‘He was booked and processed at the Gilbert-Chandler Unified Holding Facility.’
Daily Mail has approached Rider’s attorney, Benjamin Taylor, for comment.
Rider began his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being selected with the fifth overall pick in the 1993 draft, before spending four seasons with the team.
During his time in Minnesota, the shooting guard secured an All-Rookie First Team honor while winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1994.
After stints with the Portland Trail Blazers and Atlanta Hawks, he signed with the Lakers in 2000 and went on to play 67 times in his first season. Despite being left off the playoff roster, he still earned a championship ring when LA won the title that year.
He then brought the curtain down on his career while playing for the Denver Nuggets, bowing out of the NBA with a record of 563 appearances and 16.7 points per game.
