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New York Knicks: Charles Oakley accepts deal to dismiss MSG charges

By Maxwell Ogden

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Former NBA player Charles Oakley attends a game between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks at Barclays Center on March 12, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets defeated the Knicks 120-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Former NBA player Charles Oakley attends a game between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks at Barclays Center on March 12, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets defeated the Knicks 120-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks legend Charles Oakley has accepted a deal to dismiss the charges against him from the February incident at Madison Square Garden.

Little by little, the cloud hanging over the New York Knicks is clearing up. The removal of Phil Jackson from his position as team president has improved team morale, and the new front office is already working to come to a conclusion about Carmelo Anthony.

On Friday, August 4, it was announced that the most important of issues was resolved in a court of law.

Charles Oakley is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Unfortunately, Oakley and owner James Dolan have been engaged in a longstanding feud that culminated in his removal and arrest from Madison Square Garden in February of 2017.

After months of anticipation, Ian Begley of ESPN New York is reporting that the former Knicks enforcer has accepted a deal to have the charges against him dismissed.

"Former New York Knicks great Charles Oakley on Friday accepted a deal to have charges stemming from a February incident at Madison Square Garden dismissed, but he left open the possibility of pursuing civil action against team owner James Dolan."

Per Begley, Oakley’s attorney, Alex Spiro, addressed the proceedings and the possibility of future action being taken.

If nothing else, the dismissal of charges against Oakley should provide Knicks fans with reason for a giant sigh of relief.

Oakley played for the Knicks from 1988 to 1998. During that time, he was an All-Star, a two-time All-Defensive Team honoree, and one of the most significant contributors to New York’s run to the 1994 NBA Finals.

Beyond the accolades, Oakley is as responsible as anyone for the development of the culture that Knicks fans fell in love with in the 1990s.

That made the incident in February all the more difficult to stomach, as one of the most beloved figures in franchise history was disrespected in such a public and disturbing manner.

For those unfamiliar, Oakley was escorted out of Madison Square Garden and subsequently arrested during the Knicks’ home game on February 8, 2017. It was a startling turn of events that strengthened fans’ frustration with Dolan.

Thankfully, Oakley’s charges have been dismissed. In one year, he’ll be able to return to Madison Square Garden—perhaps one year too late.

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One cloud at a time, the skies over the New York Knicks are clearing up.

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