WAP2002120751- WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The Washington Wizards #23 Michael Jordan and New York Knicks #8 Latrell Sprewell take a break near the end of the 4th. period of the Wizards 100-97 victory at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C..eb/Emily Barnes UPI |
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Former New York Knicks guard Latrell Sprewell returned to Madison Square Garden on Sunday and sat next to owner James Dolan, four days after Charles Oakley was physically removed from the arena and arrested.
Sprewell and Dolan have had an icy relationship dating back to the former's trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sprewell screamed obscenities at Dolan in his first game back to Madison Square Garden in 2003, but the two were cordial during Sunday's home game against the San Antonio Spurs.
"I can't tell you why I haven't been back here, but I'll tell you when I left, I was not happy," Sprewell told ABC. "New York is like a second home for me. I love the fans here. The fans have embraced me. There's no place like the Garden to play in. I mean, who wouldn't want to play in the Garden?"
Sprewell, who received a warm reception from the fans on Sunday, told ABC that the handling of the Oakley incident was "disappointing" and "unfortunate" and that it was time to "iron it out and get past it."
Sprewell wasn't the only former Knick in attendance as Bernard King and Larry Johnson also sat near Dolan.
Oakley has been banned from Madison Square Garden after Wednesday's incident that led to his arrest, Dolan said Friday.
Oakley and Dolan have been engaged in a long-running feud and Dolan told ESPN Radio that Oakley is not welcome in the building.
"Oakley will never be allowed to enter MSG again," Dolan said before clarifying his comments.
"It's not necessarily a lifetime ban, but I think the most important thing with that is you need to keep the Garden the place that's comfortable and safe for everyone who goes there."
Dolan ordered arena security to remove Oakley during Wednesday's game between the Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.
The 53-year-old Oakley was restrained by several security guards and taken to the New York City Police Department and charged with three counts of misdemeanor assault and one count of criminal trespass.
