Charles Oakley wasn’t the only fan ejected at the Knicks game Wednesday.
According to a Garden source, a fan was thrown out for yelling obscenities at Knicks team owner James Dolan, before the Oakley incident. Though Oakley’s incident escalated and resulted in the arrest of the Knicks legend, the ouster of the unidentified fan did not cause a ripple.
“It’s not the first time,” the source said of patrons being ejected for derisive comments about Dolan.
A source confirmed there was an additional ejection from Wednesday’s game.
“Over the years, other fans have been thrown out for cursing Dolan.”
One source said the fan shouted “Dolan sucks,” but another maintained it was far more distasteful: “[Expletive] you Dolan, you suck!”
“Madison Square Garden’s policies are very clear in that they require that no person be subjected to verbal abuse of any kind by a fan in the arena,” Garden spokesman Barry Watkins said. “Anyone who violates this is subject to ejection.”
Dolan, on ESPN Radio on Friday, stressed the Garden’s demand for a safe, family-type atmosphere for fans. He also confirmed Oakley has been banned from the Garden but expressed his hope it is not a lifetime ban, presumably to be lifted if the Knicks legend seeks help. Dolan said the Knicks “absolutely” would help the legendary player get that help.
“Anybody who comes to the Garden, whether they’ve been drinking too much alcohol, they’re looking for a fight, they’re abusive, disrespectful … they’re going to be ejected and they’re going to be banned,” Dolan said.
Oakley, before Dolan announced the ban, told The Post he figured the welcome mat would not be out for him.
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“I’m not hurt, they’re keeping me away. I can’t come to the Garden. They’re keeping me away from the fans who made me when I was here,” Oakley said. “The moms and dads who bring the kids who watched me grow and then when I come around to the Garden in the city, me and Jayson Williams, we do a lot of charity work. We don’t get publicized. We do it because it’s the right thing to do.”
Oakley said he was harassed by Garden security when he sat down, that Dolan’s employees must inform their boss whenever he enters the building. Dolan said Oakley displayed “abusive behavior, disrespectful behavior” from the moment he entered the Garden. Friday, the Garden fired senior VP for security Frank Benedetto, two days after the incident.
A former Garden employee who requested anonymity noted Oakley was allowed to enter through the VIP entrance at 4 Penn Plaza, illogical if he is considered a threat in any way. Statements from witnesses about Oakley’s behavior Wednesday clearly indicated Oakley came through the VIP area.
Dolan created a firestorm when he suggested Oakley has a drinking problem.
“He may have a problem with alcohol, we don’t know,” said Dolan, a recovering addict. “Behaviors of being physically and verbally abusive, those are personality problems.”
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Oakley admitted he had a few drinks before the game but insisted he was not drunk. A source close to Oakley conceded that “Charles does not abstain from alcohol but he is not an alcoholic.” Also Oakley has worked with Williams at a Florida treatment center, Rebound Institute.
“Charles was highly instrumental in getting Jayson into treatment,” said Oakley spokesman Akhtar Farzaie. “He is very supportive of the amazing work Jayson is doing with Rebound Institute. He makes it a priority to volunteer his time speaking, motivating and sharing his culinary skills with clients of Rebound Institute.”
Oakley, after being charged with three counts of assault and criminal trespass, all misdemeanors, was released on a desk appearance ticket. According to current members of the NYPD, it is not normal procedure to release a person who shows signs of being inebriated on a DAT. A desk appearance ticket means a person gets a summons and leaves the police precinct but is required to return at a later date before a Manhattan Criminal Court judge.
“If someone is drunk, he should not get a DAT. He should go through the system,” one active NYPD officer said Saturday.
The Knicks heard their fans chant loud support for Oakley during a 131-123 defensive embarrassment loss to Denver Friday at the Garden. According to another Garden source, there were 16 policemen — in uniform — on paid detail at Friday’s game. Normally, there are three or four.
Oakley has maintained he was targeted because of past grievances with Dolan. Videotapes of the incident clearly show Oakley pushing security guards but there have been conflicting reports. Some say Oakley sat down, didn’t say anything and was approached by security people who asked for his ticket before the ugliness. Others contend Oakley heckled the owner. The Knicks released statements quoting witnesses who claimed Oakley used vile and vulgar language.
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