RHOA’s Charles Oakley at Madison Square Garden

What happened with Charles Oakley at Madison Square Garden?

Charles spent a decade playing for the New York Knicks between 1988 and 1998. In February 2017, he attended one of their games at Madison Square Garden. Shortly after his arrival, the team’s owner, James Dolan, felt like Charles was heckling him. The two already had a contentious relationship because Charles was openly critical of the Knicks organization.

James ordered his security guards to kick Charles out of the arena. A shoving match ensued, which led to Charles’s arrest. Later that night, the Knicks shared a shady statement about the altercation.

“Charles Oakley came to the game tonight and behaved in a highly inappropriate and completely abusive manner,” the Knicks said in a statement. “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.”

Charles spoke to ESPN a few days later and disputed the claims from the Knicks organization. He said he was minding his own business when James had his security guards target him.

“Me and four friends went to the game tonight to watch the Knicks and Clippers,” Charles recalled. “We get there, sit down, trying to have a good time. Next thing I know, I was asked to leave the building. I asked why, and he said, ‘Well, you have to leave because someone ordered you to leave.’ And I’m like, ‘I’ve been here four-and-a-half minutes, I’m a Knicks fan, I played here for 10 years, I love the Knicks.’”

Madison Square Garden banned Charles from the arena following the incident. Charles also tried suing James, but a judge threw out the case. Either way, Charles said he’ll always have love for the Knicks, despite the “disrespectful” situation he endured.

“I’m a Knicks fan for life,” he said. “No matter if I go back to the Garden or not, I’m still gonna cheer for the Knicks.”