Oakley-MSG legal saga hits third dismissal

Charles Oakley’s lawsuit against Madison Square Garden and owner James Dolan, alleging assault, false imprisonment and defamation, has been dismissed for a third time, ending a years-long legal saga that began after Oakley’s 2017 ejection from the Garden. MSG called the claims fully dismissed and said it would pursue action against Oakley’s attorney; Oakley’s side still hopes for a jury trial. The case has ping-ponged through courts since 2020, including prior 2nd Circuit reversals, but the latest ruling finds no rational jury could conclude Oakley faced wrongful force or that MSG intended to instill such fear.