The dispute dates back to 2017
Oakley was handcuffed and arrested following an altercation with security personnel during a Knicks game against the Los Angeles Clippers, while sitting near team owner James Dolan.
The former Knicks forward initially filed several claims against MSG, most of which were dismissed in February 2020. Following an appeal, his assault-and-battery claim remained active.
Judge: “No evidence” of an assault
Judge Richard J. Sullivan of the Southern District of New York ruled that Oakley had failed to produce evidence supporting his claim that MSG security guards assaulted him.
According to the ruling, videos from multiple angles and witness testimony showed that Oakley had a reasonable opportunity to leave the Garden, but instead engaged in physical violence and was never pushed to the ground.
Madison Square Garden welcomed the decision and accused Oakley’s legal team of pursuing baseless claims for years.
Oakley’s lawyer plans to appeal
Douglas Wigdor, Oakley’s attorney, disagreed with the ruling and argued that conflicting accounts of the incident remain.
The defense hopes the Second Circuit Court of Appeals will overturn the decision and send the case back for a jury trial.
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