Former NBA champion Isaiah Rider arrested again amid bitter fallout with ex-wife
Rider, 54, faces a second arrest in two weeks after failing to appear at a Dec. 15 court hearing on a protective order filed by his ex-wife Vanessa Rider; first arrest occurred earlier in December.
Former NBA champion Isaiah Rider was arrested Tuesday on a warrant for failing to appear at a court hearing related to a protective order filed by his ex-wife, Vanessa Rider. The arrest marks a second legal setback for the 54-year-old former Lakers guard in two weeks, following an initial arrest on Dec. 4 for allegedly interfering with judicial proceedings tied to the same order.
Under the protective order, Rider was barred from contacting Vanessa Rider or their 15-year-old son and was required to stay away from their residence and the boy's school. A hearing had been scheduled for Dec. 15 to determine whether the order should continue. TMZ reported that Vanessa was present at the hearing, and a judge extended the order, keeping it in place.
Rider's initial arrest on Dec. 4 charged him with one count of interfering with judicial proceedings related to the protective order. Vanessa had accused him of being aggressive with her and their son on numerous occasions, a claim Rider has denied, saying she is pursuing a grievance after he filed for divorce in November 2024.
Arizona law enforcement officials said Rider was arrested earlier today on a warrant for failing to appear at the Dec. 15 hearing. He was booked and processed at the Gilbert-Chandler Unified Holding Facility.
Rider began his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being selected fifth overall in the 1993 draft, earning All-Rookie First Team honors in 1994 and winning the Slam Dunk Contest that year. He later spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers and Atlanta Hawks before joining the Lakers in 2000, where he played 67 games in his first season and earned a championship ring as LA captured the title. He finished his career with 563 appearances and an average of 16.7 points per game.
Rider filed for divorce in November 2024, a development that has intensified a bitter split with Vanessa. He has said he believes the allegations surrounding the protective order are revenge-based, although he has not provided further public comment through his attorney.