21.   Riders say, however, that even directly after the attacks there were no inspections of passengers or baggage.

22.   Rider said he met a few days ago with Blazers General Manager Bob Whitsitt, Coach Mike Dunleavy and his teammates.

23.   Rider said he will confine his mistakes to the basketball court.

24.   Rider said his arrival was delayed last week by unspecified legal issues that were resolved Friday.

25.   Rider said his playing problems were not the result of distractions.

26.   Rider said to reporters.

27.   Rider also said he really had been surprised the Blazers traded him and attributed it to the disappointment of being swept in the West finals in June.

28.   Rider said applicants to his firm are usually referred by an accountant or lawyer who has reviewed their business plan.

29.   Rider said he woke up on his own just in time to catch a cab and make it to the arena for pregame warmups.

30.   Several subway riders also said today that much could depend on how well the MTA sold the fare increase to its customers.