The New York Knicks released a statement on Thursday, doubling down on their stance that former All-Star Charles Oakley was belligerent before his arrest on Wednesday during the Knicks’ 119-115 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Knicks say Charles Oakley’s statements after arrest are ‘pure fiction’
The Knicks released a second statement regarding Charles Oakley’s arrest on Wednesday.
Oakley engaged in a shoving match with Madison Square Garden security before he was forcibly removed from his seat rows away from Knicks owner James Dolan. He was later arrested and charged with three counts of misdemeanor assault, as well as one count of criminal trespass, according to ESPN.com’s Ian Begley.
Oakley repeatedly denied saying anything to the Knicks owner, and said that he and four friends went to the Garden to watch Wednesday’s game before he was asked to leave the building. Oakley rejected the order, and the altercation ensued.
It was Dolan who ordered security to escort Oakley off the premises, according to the New York Daily News, and the two have a history of being at odds with one another.
After his arrest, the Knicks released a statement noting that Oakley “behaved in a highly inappropriate manner,” and said “he was a great Knick and we hope he gets some help soon.”
Since the Knicks’ statement, Oakley has received widespread support among current NBA players, including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, and Jamal Crawford.
Oakley spent 10 seasons with the Knicks from 1988-98, and New York made the playoffs for a decade straight, culminating with a 1994 NBA Finals appearance. He has since been critical of Knicks management and on-court performance.
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