The NBA's dumbest conflict might be coming to an end. According to ESPN, Knicks owner James Dolan has lifted the ban on franchise legend Charles Oakley, who was arrested last Wednesday after a confrontation with MSG security. The news came 24 hours after NBA commissioner Adam Silver and owner/Oakley confidant Michael Jordan tried to help broker a peace between the two sides.But that doesn't mean Knicks fans can expect to see Oakley chilling courtside at the Garden anytime soon. The former power forward went on Dan Le Batard's show Tuesday and refused to accept any invitation."Right now, no. I told [Dolan] yesterday."Oakley went on to explain what he believes to be the roots of this conflict, and why he believes Dolan owes both him and the fans an apology."I called him some names before in the papers, and that's basically what it's been about. And that's what I thought it was; I want to make sure. I have never asked for nothing. I love the fans in New York. They've been supportive. One of the things I told the commissioner, I want to have a press conference and I want him to apologize to me and the fans. They've had my back and they've felt the pain. I really appreciate the people all around who've had my back."Oakley has played the PR game masterfully. Already beloved by New Yorkers, he has positioned himself as the people's champ, standing up for the fans against one of the most despised owners in sports. And Dolan, who presumably has an army of PR flaks on the payroll, has repeatedly made himself look even worse, first by having Oakley arrested (on national TV, no less), then by publicly implying that Oakley has an alcohol problem. He spent millions on team president Phil Jackson, who at the very least had drawn the ire of dissatisfied fans away from the owner's box, but the man truly cannot help but embarrass himself every time he is in the public eye.Oakley will likely press on until he gets his apology. Will the notoriously stubborn Dolan give in? Only time will tell.
Advertisement