James Dolan Bans Oakley from MSG: “We need to keep the Garden safe.”

Knicks owner James Dolan has confirmed that Charles Oakley is indefinitely banned from Madison Square Garden.

Dolan appeared on Michael Kay’s show to explain his side, implying that Oakley was abusive and was possibly intoxicated. Oakley has maintained that he did nothing wrong and was surrounded by officials within 4 minutes of taking his seat.

“It’s very clear to us that Charles Oakley came to the Garden with an agenda,” said Dolan. “From the moment he stepped into the Garden he began with this behavior, this abusive behavior. Disrespectful behavior… Charles should have never made it to his seat.”

Aside from the ban, the most significant fallout has been Dolan’s firing of Frank Benedetto, MSG’s Senior VP of Security. The Knicks also sent out another video of the incident with 15 eyewitness accounts that allegedly support Dolan’s assertions.

Watch excerpts from Dolan’s interview below.

MSG Chairman James Dolan joins #TMKSonYES to clarify recent events regarding former Knicks player Charles Oakley. pic.twitter.com/7DSfcwGnUa

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 10, 2017

James Dolan: “It’s very clear to us that Charles Oakley came to The Garden with an agenda.” pic.twitter.com/hQrMXhwN6D

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 10, 2017

James Dolan on conflicting accounts over Charles Oakley’s actions at MSG: “I think he’s somewhat in denial.” pic.twitter.com/nuM2xC0Twb

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 10, 2017

I know one thing — there better be huge Oakley chants all throughout tonight’s game. I’m sure in Dolan’s mind he’s saving the Knicks’ reputation by going on the radio and disparaging Oak as a out of control, alcoholic monster. All it’s doing is making the franchise look more dysfunctional and ironically in line with the public disrespect Phil Jackson has been laying on Melo in recent weeks.

The Knicks PR statement should have said an unfortunate incident and we’re working with our staff and Oakley to ensure it never happens again. Instead, this interview will prolong the media circus for weeks to come (possibly the rest of the season).

What a time to be a Knicks fan…