One Knicks fan had a “Free Oakley’’ sign taken away by Garden security Friday night. Nevertheless, with a new wardrobe item now available, it is doubtful James Dolan protesters will have the shirt ripped off their backs Sunday.
A company co-owned by ex-Knick Chris Smith started producing blue “I’m With Oakley’’ T-shirts that its investors hope will be worn to the Garden to support banned Knicks legend Charles Oakley.
In fact, Knicks fan Spike Lee may don the “I’m with Oakley’’ shirt Sunday, when the Knicks finish their disastrous five-game homestand against the Spurs.
The shirt can be purchased at freshbrewedtees.com. According to owner/player-agent Daniel Hazan, about 1,000 have been purchased since going on sale late Friday.
Hazan said he can’t imagine Garden security refusing admittance to anyone wearing the shirt. A portion of the proceeds will go to Oakley himself, Hazan said, and the former Knicks enforcer probably will earmark it for charity.
“You hear the chants, ‘We want Oakley,’ you feel so much support behind Charles and this T-shirt campaign is the perfect opportunity and best way for fans to show their support,’’ Hazan told The Post. “You saw a person hold up a sign but I don’t think you can kick people out for wearing a shirt. This is the most efficient way to draw attention and stand for something Knicks fans believe in.’’
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Knicks fans in full revolt over Dolan banning Charles Oakley 0:0 All around Madison Square Garden, at sports bars and outside… The furor over Oakley’s arrest, compounded by his indefinite Garden ban, has unified a fan base sickened over the past 15 years during which the Knicks have won just one playoff series. They are on their way to a fourth straight losing season.
Hazan’s company also marketed the notorious J.R. Smith tattoo shirt — which depicted Smith’s ink-covered torso — that sold more than 6,000 after the Cavaliers won the NBA title last year.
Hazan said he wouldn’t be surprised if some Cavaliers started wearing the shirt, considering LeBron James’ public support and Oakley living in Cleveland. Oakley visited the Cavaliers’ champagne-soaked locker room after Game 7 last June.
Don’t expect Knicks players to don the shirt — at least in public.
“Having grown up in New York a diehard fan, I know Knicks fans look forward to players who give it their all and give the energy,’’ Hazan said of the love affair with Oakley. “I don’t know if this ire is partly about this season but respecting the Knicks’ past. He did everything for this organization, was a pillar, wasn’t a superstar but you never doubted his energy.
“For security to treat him like they did — whether he crossed the line or not — he deserved a different level of integrity for what he did in this building.’’
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