James Dolan to testify in Charles Oakley’s MSG ejection case

Charles Oakley, a former NBA player, has been engaged in a legal battle against New York Knicks owner James Dolan for seven years following Oakley's ejection from Madison Square Garden in 2017. The incident occurred during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, where Oakley was forcibly removed by security after an altercation. Although much of Oakley's case has been dismissed, his claim regarding the excessive force used during his removal remains active. Recently, a Manhattan federal court judge ordered Dolan to provide sworn testimony, emphasizing that Dolan's firsthand account is crucial due to his proximity to the incident. The judge noted that Dolan's observations could shed light on Oakley's behavior and the circumstances surrounding his ejection. This ruling comes after Oakley alleged that he was unfairly targeted for criticizing Dolan, while MSG staff claimed he was intoxicated and disruptive. Dolan's testimony is expected to include details of a conversation he had with a security guard just before Oakley was removed. The court has also mandated that MSG produce relevant emails from Dolan regarding the incident, although Oakley's request for a broader range of emails was denied as excessive. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the tensions between Oakley and Dolan, with Oakley seeking unspecified damages. A spokesperson for MSG criticized Oakley's legal actions as a waste of resources, while Oakley's attorney expressed eagerness to question Dolan in the upcoming deposition.