Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan has banned legendary former New York Knicks player Charles Oakley from the arena, though said he was open to a reconciliation.
In an interview with ESPN, Dolan also confirmed a report that he had fired the Garden's security chief, two nights after Oakley was forcefully removed from his seat and arrested at a Knicks game for abusing Dolan and fighting with security.
The Knicks say Oakley was "abusive" at the game on Wednesday even before reaching his seat.
Dolan said Oakley used racial and sexual overtones in his abuse.
"We are going to put the ban in place and hopefully it won't be forever," Dolan said.
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He praised Oakley as a great Knicks player, but he said Oakley must address what he characterised as anger and perhaps alcohol issues, adding that the team would help if asked.
"He should be up there being recognised because the fans do love him," Dolan said. "But this behaviour just doesn't work with that."
Oakley thanked fans and players for support and said he loved the Knicks in a pair of tweets on Friday night, adding that he would hold a press conference next week.
"I love NYC (and) I LOVE the Knicks that you for all your love," he tweeted.
"I want thank all in players and pas(t) NBA players as well as family and friends for all your love and support."
Oakley maintains he did nothing wrong before arena security approached him on Wednesday, just a few rows behind Dolan.
Oakley played for the Knicks from 1988-98, helping them become one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
But they have been one of the worst franchises of the last 15 years, and Oakley's criticisms of the team and management has led to a strained relationship with the organisation.
"This is not just a day-before-yesterday incident. We've had a relationship with Charles since he retired and left the Knicks, right, and every time we have tried, right, to do, to patch things up with him, to mend things with him, we invite him to games, that every time it ends the same way, right: abusive, disrespectful," Dolan said.
Oakley is threatening legal action.
"The manner in which Mr Oakley has been treated is troubling and he intends to pursue all legal rights and remedies he may have," lawyer David Chesnoff said.
