Judge dismisses Charles Oakley assault claim against Madison Square Garden

Judge Richard J. Sullivan concluded that Charles Oakley could not demonstrate an assault by Madison Square Garden security after the former NBA All-Star was restrained and arrested at a 2017 Knicks versus Clippers game. The court relied on multiple video angles and unanimous witness statements, including some from Oakley, showing he chose to become physically aggressive rather than being pushed to the ground. Earlier in the case, most of Oakley's lawsuits were thrown out in 2020, leaving only the assault-and-battery claim, which the judge now also rejected.

Madison Square Garden issued a statement criticizing the prolonged litigation and announced plans to pursue action against Oakley's attorney, Douglas Wigdor, for what it called frivolous claims. Wigdor expressed disappointment and hopes an appellate court will allow a jury trial on the remaining issues.