Former New York Knicks star Charles Oakley, 53, is charged with assault after fighting with security guards, 'screaming abuse at the team owner' and being dragged out of Madison Square Garden

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Former Knicks star Charles Oakley was escorted from his seats at Madison Square Garden and arrested after an altercation near team owner James Dolan.

Oakley shoved security guards before they pulled him away from his seat behind the baseline during the first quarter of the Knicks' game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. 

Fans chanted 'Oakley! Oakley!' in support of the popular power forward.

The 53-year-old Oakley played for the Knicks from 1988-98, helping them reach the NBA Finals, but has a poor relationship with the team because of his criticisms of Dolan, the Madison Square Garden chairman.

Former Knicks star Charles Oakley was escorted from his seats at Madison Square Garden and arrested after an altercation near team owner James Dolan

'Charles Oakley came to the game tonight and behaved in a highly inappropriate and completely abusive manner,' the Knicks wrote in a statement on Twitter

'Charles Oakley came to the game tonight and behaved in a highly inappropriate and completely abusive manner,' the Knicks wrote in a statement on Twitter.

'He has been ejected and is currently being arrested by the New York City Police Department. He was a great Knick and we hope he gets some help soon.'

Security was called to Oakley's seat after he was shouting at Knicks owner James Dolan (above), sitting not far ahead in his usual seat in the first row behind the baseline

The altercation took place just a few rows behind the court during a stoppage in play as Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis was shooting free throws, and players from both teams turned to watch.

Security was called to Oakley's seat after he was shouting at Dolan, sitting not far ahead in his usual seat in the first row behind the baseline. 

Oakley shoved one security official in the face, though neither he nor any other arena staff threw any punches or pushed Oakley back.

Oakley was handcuffed near an arena exit as he waited for police to arrive.

The NYPD said Oakley was arrested on three counts of assault, all third degree.

He was being processed for a desk appearance and will be issued a summons to report back to court. 

ESPN reported on Wednesday that in addition to assault charges, Oakley will also be charged with criminal trespassing. 

The 6-foot-8 Oakley was a rugged enforcer playing alongside Patrick Ewing on the Knicks teams of the 1990s and has kept his tough-guy persona long after retirement, trading barbs with former rival Charles Barkley recently.

Oakley shoved one security official in the face, though neither he nor any other arena staff threw any punches or pushed Oakley back

After the altercation with security guards, Oakley is seen below on the floor as he is being handcuffed by a uniformed NYPD officer

'I didn't do nothing … this is bulls—t,' Oakley was heard saying when confronted by security guards.

A sports anchor for WABC-TV tweeted on Wednesday that the former Knick will face three counts of assault

ESPN is also reporting that Oakley will face one count of criminal trespassing in addition to assault

The incident grabbed headlines in New York and 'Oakley' was a trending topic on social media.

Video shots posted on social media showed that at one point Oakley was pinned to the ground and handcuffed by police officers. 

The footage was captured by SportsBlogNYC. 

Oakley was later seen at a Midtown Manhattan police precinct being processed and charged with three counts of misdemeanor assault and one count of criminal trespassing

Oakley appeared to be in good spirits while cracking a smile and conversing with the police officers

'I didn't do nothing … this is bulls—t,' Oakley was heard saying.

The retired player, 53, was overheard yelling 'Dolan,' an obvious reference to the Knicks owner, but the exact words were not clear, according to The New York Post.

Usually, teams provide free tickets to their former players as a courtesy for past service.

But given the frayed nature of the relationship between Oakley and current Knicks management, the beloved ex-power forward was forced to buy his tickets, according to the Post.

As Oakley sat down, he was heard 'saying a few things Dolan did not like.'

A source was quoted as telling the Post that Oakley was not drinking.

'But you don't sit there and heckle James Dolan,' the source said. 

Usually, teams provide free tickets to their former players as a courtesy for past service. But given the frayed nature of the relationship between Oakley (above) and current Knicks management, the beloved ex-power forward was forced to buy his tickets

'So security guards came over and intervened and the whole thing escalated from there.' 

Oakley was getting support from his NBA colleagues on social media. 

LeBron James posted an image of Oakley on Instagram under the caption: 'Mood!' and the word 'Legend.'

The Oakley melee and arrest is merely the latest embarrassing incident in what has been a turmoil-filled season for the star-crossed Knicks. 

The team's star player, Carmelo Anthony, has been feuding publicly with Knicks President Phil Jackson.

Oakley was getting support from his NBA colleagues on social media. LeBron James posted an image of Oakley on Instagram under the caption: 'Mood!' and the word 'Legend'

The tensions have been exacerbated by the team's subpar play this year.

As of Wednesday night, the Knicks had a record of 22-32. 

After the Oakley scuffle, the Knicks would eventually lose to the Clippers, 119-115.

If the season were to end today, the underachieving Knicks would not make the playoffs.