(Getty)
Former New York Knicks star Charles Oakley, who was often known for his physical play on the court, was escorted from Wednesday night’s game after getting into an altercation in the crowd during Wednesday night’s game at Madison Square Garden.
Here’s video of the incident:
It was also shown on ESPN:
https://twitter.com/MichaelRapaport/status/829501060360204288/video/1
Though it’s unclear what exactly led to the incident, ESPN’s Ian Begley reported that Oakley was going after Knicks owner James Dolan:
A man that looked like Charles Oakley just went after Knicks owner James Dolan.
Charles Oakley referenced owner James Dolan as Phil Jackson was trying to calm him down. “Dolan did this,” he said.
Soon after, the Knicks released this statement, saying that Oakley was being arrested by police:
https://twitter.com/NY_KnicksPR/status/829503872628563970/photo/1
Oakley spent 10 seasons with the Knicks from 1988 through 1998, averaging 10.4 points and 10.0 rebounds during that stretch. He was named an All-Star during the 1993-94 campaign, and as an intimidating presence down low, he proved to be a crucial part of the Knicks’ sustained run of success in the East during that time.
In November, the New York Times’ Scott Cacciola wrote about Oakley’s damaged relationship with the Knicks’ organization, noting that he has at different times “criticized the team’s front office, coaches and resident stars. In 2010, he advised (LeBron) James to avoid signing with the Knicks in free agency.”
“The boss don’t like me,” said Oakley. “I wouldn’t mind having a sit-down dinner with Dolan. I wouldn’t mind cooking him dinner. Might put something in it, though.”