Charles Oakley shoves Madison Square Garden security and is escorted out of the building in strange scene pic.twitter.com/lTphvnSzFV
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 9, 2017
If only the New York Knicks possessed as much passion and intensity as Charles Oakley did while being angrily escorted out of MSG.
Nah … it couldn’t possibly get any worse for the 12th place, 22-31 New York Knicks who are in the midst of mind-boggling Phil Jackson–Carmelo Anthony talk.
Right?
If you thought it couldn’t, you either don’t root on the city’s squad or you’re completely unfamiliar with the NBA.
Tonight, on Thursday, with the Los Angeles Clippers in town, things just got worse.
Check out the video above. Knicks legend Charles Oakley was caught on camera in an angry, hostile fashion. Something caused a meltdown to the point he had to be restrained and ultimately removed from the stands (video above).
The ESPN cameras showed it while the MSG Network cameras didn’t. That, in itself, could be a story … but we move on.
MSG came out with a statement on Oakley’s actions shortly after his ejection:
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) February 9, 2017
Here’s another angle of the incident:
Soooooo Charles Oakley just got into a fight at he Knicks game. pic.twitter.com/klZBD89VI7
— Ian Schafer (@ischafer) February 9, 2017
just like old times RT @ischafer: Soooooo Charles Oakley just got into a fight at he Knicks game. pic.twitter.com/gVUYa3qHWK
— perquita burgess (@firefire100) February 9, 2017
The Oak-man — whose legend is only surpassed by his teammates of his rough, tumble era (John Starks, Patrick Ewing), has had much to say about the organization he once played for. From calling Knicks owner James Dolan a “bad guy” to remaining estranged from the Knicks, Oakley hasn’t been shy about speaking his thoughts.
Tonight, his actions now surpass any prior words he may have spoken.
What the shame in all of this is, however, is, while Oak’s irate attitude doesn’t resemble much class, speaks volumes about the man’s overall intensity and passion — certain attributes this current Knicks team led by Melo desperately lack.
If only the Zen Master or Jeff Hornacek could get their guys to fire off the way Charles Oakley just did at The Mecca. Then, and only then, would the Big Apple have a squad to feel proud about.