Charles Oakley Discusses Altercation in Stands at Clippers vs. Knicks

Basketball took a backseat during the Los Angeles Clippers' 119-115 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday, as former Knick Charles Oakley was "hauled out of the arena by security, handcuffed and taken to jail," per Frank Isola, Kerry Burke, Stefan Bondy and Daniel Popper of the New York Daily News.

According to the New York Daily News report, Oakley denied yelling at Knicks owner James Dolan before he was thrown out by security. He commented on the incident after he was released from Midtown South police station, per the New York Daily News.

"I was there for four minutes. I didn't say anything to him. I swear on my mother," he said. "They came over and wanted to know why I was sitting there. I bought the ticket. I said why do you guys keep staring at me. Then they asked me to leave. And I said I'm not leaving."

The New York Daily News noted sources at Madison Square Garden and police sources told a different tale and said the incident was spurred by Oakley "yelling at his longtime nemesis Dolan."

Ian Begley of ESPN.com tweeted, "Charles Oakley referenced owner James Dolan as Phil Jackson was trying to calm him down. 'Dolan did this,' he said."

Oakley was charged with three counts of misdemeanor assault with one for criminal trespass, per the New York Daily News. "A source said that Oakley declined legal representation because he was only hit with a desk appearance ticket," the article added.

The Knicks released a statement that abruptly ended "we hope he gets some help soon":

There is an abrasive history in place between Oakley and the team. The New York Daily News noted Oakley has not been invited to events celebrating former players in the past.

Chris Mannix of The Vertical added, "Oakley has long had a complicated, often contemptuous relationship with the Knicks. Very rarely is he seen at MSG. What a bizarre scene."

Oakley at least had Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James in his corner in the incident's aftermath:

Interestingly, Scott Cacciola of the New York Times previously wrote Oakley advised James not to sign with the Knicks when he was a free agent in 2010, which didn't help his relationship with his old team.

This is just the latest incident surrounding the Knicks that has little to do with the actual basketball being played on the court.

Team president Phil Jackson recently tweeted his apparent agreement with an article from Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report that criticized Carmelo Anthony. Jackson and the front office have reportedly tried to trade the forward this season, with Adrian Wojnarowski and Mannix of The Vertical going as far as saying the team president was "determined" to make the trade happen.

Next up for the 22-32 Knicks is a Friday home contest against the Denver Nuggets, where they will look to snap a three-game losing streak. 

Safe to say Oakley probably won't be in attendance.