Isaiah Rider's wife believes the former NBA star is the victim of a "she-devil, man-hating" probation officer ... who has been out to get her husband simply because he's famous.
TMZ spoke with Vanessa Rider, who tells us ... Isaiah's P.O. has been "abusing her power" -- and has been blocking his efforts to complete his probation, and that's why he was arrested this week.
Rider says Isaiah got permission from the court to apply to travel to L.A. to explore job opportunities as a basketball coach, but the P.O. has refused to sign off on it ... insisting he work at a local McDonald's, or a similar local establishment during his probation.
Vanessa says, "He's not going to work at McDonald's ... he's a retired athlete."
As for the 90 uncompleted hours of community service, Vanessa says Isaiah wanted to volunteer at his church, but the P.O. would only let him pick up trash on the side of the road.
Vanessa also says Rider still wishes to complete his domestic violence course ... but wants to do so in California, so he can work at the same time.
Isaiah is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 11 -- and Vanessa believes a judge will see things his way and let him out of jail. Calls to the Maricopa County Probation Department were not returned.
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