Charles Oakley MSG Ban to Spark Al Sharpton Protest; NBA Intervenes

The apparent feud between New York Knicks owner James Dolan and former Knicks player Charles Oakley continues to draw in new personalities.

Per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Reverend Al Sharpton plans to protest outside Madison Square Garden unless the ban is lifted.

Later on Monday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan helped negotiate a reconciliation between Oakley and Dolan, announced the league. The statement read:

"

Both Mr. Oakley and Mr. Dolan were apologetic about the incident and subsequent comments, and their negative impact on the Knicks organization and the NBA. Mr. Dolan expressed his hope that MR. Oakley would return to MSG as his guest in the near future. I appreciate the efforts of Mr. Dolan, Mr. Oakley and Mr. Jordan to work towards a resolution of this matter.

"

Dolan had announced Friday that Oakley would not be allowed to enter Madison Square Garden, even with a ticket, following the former player's forcible removal from the arena earlier in the week.

Speaking on The Michael Kay Show (via ESPN.com), Dolan speculated on possible issues with Oakley, saying: "He may have a problem with alcohol. We don't know."

Many have since come to the player's defense, including Dwyane Wade on his personal Instagram account. Noted Knicks fan Spike Lee also supported Oakley by wearing his jersey for the next game.

Oakley was charged with three counts of assault at Madison Square Garden after the Knicks say he "behaved in a highly inappropriate and completely abusive manner," per Steve Popper of USA Today.