Charles Oakley: Fans dispute PR claims in New York Knicks owner's ejection of star player

Former Knicks forward Charles Oakley had to be restrained by Madison Square Garden security after being ordered to leave in the first quarter of New York's game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.

Oakley defended his actions, saying he felt threatened when a large group of security descended on him just minutes after he arrived at his seat.

The Knicks PR department tweeted during the incident that Oakley "behaved in a highly inappropriate and completely abusive manner. He has been ejected and is currently being arrested by the New York City Police Department."

The Knicks' statement ended, "He was a great Knick and we hope he gets some help soon."

He was subsequently charged with three counts of assault for hitting security guards and was also charged with criminal trespassing.

Oakley was seated directly behind Knicks owner James Dolan, and Oakley reportedly yelled at Dolan, though fans seated around them dispute that claim and say Dolan and Knicks' security "overreacted." Dolan instructed security to have Oakley removed, but the former player had to be restrained by several security guards, striking several of them on his way out of the arena.

ESPN's broadcast of the game showed the end of the incident, with the commentator mentioning that Oakley has been critical of the Knicks organization, headed by Dolan and team president Phil Jackson.

Journalist Mike Vorkunov tweeted that Oakley was handcuffed while saying, "I didn't do nothing! Dolan did this ... This is (garbage)." Vorkunov added that Jackson came out and tried to calm Oakley.

Oakley, 53, played for the Knicks from 1988-89 to 1997-98, part of a 14-year career that included stints with five teams. He was an All-Star in 1993-94, and he averaged 9.7 points and 9.5 rebounds in 1,282 career games.

Despite the incident and regardless of whether he's allowed back at the Garden, Oakley said he will always be a Knicks fan.