Being tossed out out of "The World's Most Famous Arena" on Wednesday night won't change Charles Oakley's opinion about the New York Knicks organization and its fans.
Released from police custody after being charged with three misdemeanor counts of assault and criminal trespassing, Oakley was later filmed giving his side of the story about what transpired at Jimmy's NYC restaurant.
He said Madison Square Garden security approached him minutes into the game against the Los Angeles Clippers because someone "ordered" him to leave.
Related: Charles Oakley forcibly removed from MSG, charged with assault
"I'm like, 'I've been here four-and-a-half minutes,'" Oakley said. "'I'm a Knicks fan. Played here for 10 years. I love the Knicks. I love New York. This is my heart. I wish them all the luck and success on the basketball court. I don't know why I'm not welcome into the Garden.'"
Asked how the situation escalated, Oakley said, "When somebody walking up on you, you've got to protect yourself in all manners. I've been in situations like it before. I've been jumped before. So in my mind I was thinking like, 'If you see seven, eight, nine, 10 guys walking up on you, you have to brace yourself and be ready for the challenge.'"
Related: New York tabloids have field day with Oakley's arrest
As far as whether or not he'll be back inside MSG anytime soon, Oakley isn't sure.
"I don't know no status," he added. "As long as the fans care about me ... I love the fans. I'm always going to love the fans. I'm a Knicks fans for life, no matter if I go back to the Garden or not. I'm still going to cheer for the Knicks because I played here for a decade. My heart and soul is here."
