Knicks ban Charles Oakley from Madison Square Garden

A crazy situation just got crazier. Days after a melee at Madison Square Garden between ex-Knicks power forward Charles Oakley, team owner James Dolan and security led to viral video and embarrassment for the franchise, the Knicks are taking major...

Knicks ban Charles Oakley from Madison Square Garden

A crazy situation just got crazier.

Days after a melee at Madison Square Garden between ex-Knicks power forward Charles Oakley, team owner James Dolan and security led to viral video and embarrassment for the franchise, the Knicks are taking major action.

According to ESPN Radio host Michael Kay, Oakley will be banned from Madison Square Garden for life--even if he purchases a ticket to enter.

BREAKING:

"Charles Oakley will never be allowed to enter MSG again, even if he purchases a ticket."

-According to @RealMichaelKay

-- The Michael Kay Show (@TMKSESPN) February 10, 2017

@RealMichaelKay just said that reportedly "Charles Oakley will never be allowed to enter MSG again, even if he purchases a ticket."

-- Michael Kay Show YES (@TMKSonYES) February 10, 2017

Dolan appeared on Kay's show on Friday afternoon to explain the Oakley ban and what's behind the decision.

James Dolan "we're gonna put the ban in place but hopefully it won't last forever"

-- Michael Kay Show YES (@TMKSonYES) February 10, 2017

As for what happened on Tuesday night?

"It's very clear to us, right, that Charles Oakley came to the Garden with a mission--with an agenda on his mind," Dolan said. "From the minute he walked through the doors, he started with abusive behavior. It just accelerated and accelerated all the way to his seats and with security. It eventually led to his ejection."

Oakley played for the Knicks for 10 seasons (1988-89 to 1997-98) during one of the best eras the franchise has ever had. During Oakley's run, the rugged defensive force averaged 10.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. In 1993-94, Oakley made the Eastern Conference All-Star team and helped the Knicks reach Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets.

The Knicks painted Oakley as the bad guy in the recent altercation at MSG, but Oakley denied doing anything but taking in the game as a fan in multiple interviews since the incident.

In recent days, NBA superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have come out in support of Oakley. At Thursday night's Rangers game--a franchise also owned by Dolan--fans chanted "Free Oakley!".

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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