Young basketball fans who never saw Charles Oakley play with the Knicks got a taste of what it was like in the paint with him.
Wednesday night, a combative Oakley, pushing and shoving security officials who tried to eject him from the Knicks game against the L.A. Clippers, was finally dragged from the arena where he once was beloved.
Oakley was arrested, according to several reports, and he is likely facing a third-degree assault charge, a misdemeanor.
@incarceratedbob #FreeOakley pic.twitter.com/LZpi2EkOPf
— Casey Halpern (@Caseyisabeast) February 9, 2017
Video shows Oakley, 53, a former Knicks enforcer, swatting away security officials as they tugged on him to try to get him to leave the Garden.
As he was dragged out, Oakley was shouting, “I didn’t do anything!”
Team president Phil Jackson joined the handcuffed Oakley beneath the stands, trying to keep police from arresting him.
The New York Post reported that Oakley was also screaming, “I didn’t do anything!” as he was being hauled from his courtside seat.
AdamSchefter: RT SportBlogNYC: SBNY Exclusive: Charles Oakley on the ground surrounded by police and Garden securi… pic.twitter.com/QEXbFDWLDe
— Roto Fantasy News (@RotoFantasyNews) February 9, 2017
The Knicks released a statement that said, “Charles Oakley came to the game tonight and behaved in a highly inappropriate and completely abusive manner. He has been ejected and is currently being arrested by the New York City Police Department. He was a great Knick and we hope he gets some help soon.”
Oakley, who played for the Knicks from 1988-98, has had a strained relationship with his former team, telling the New York Times last fall that “the boss don’t like me.” Oakley said several attempts to meet with Dolan have been rebuffed.
The Daily News reported that Oakley was shouting at Dolan on Wednesday night and was told to stop. When he persisted, he was asked to leave — then forced to leave.
Charles Oakley fighting James Dolan might qualify as pornography for Knicks fans.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) February 9, 2017
The altercation took place just a few rows behind the court during a stoppage in play as Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis was shooting free throws, and players from both teams turned to watch.
Among those who had a front-row seat for the situation was tennis great John McEnroe.
Have watched this video of Charles Oakley going after James Dolan 10x & dont know who looks more stunned, John McEnroe or Kristaps Porzingis pic.twitter.com/Zp40XtNfaI
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) February 9, 2017
The 6-foot-8 Oakley was a rugged enforcer playing alongside Patrick Ewing on the Knicks teams of the 1990s and has kept his tough-guy persona long after retirement, trading barbs with former rival Charles Barkley recently.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Ryan Dunleavy may be reached at rdunleavy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rydunleavy. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.
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