Former New York Knicks All-Star Charles Oakley’s name popped up in headlines once again after he was arrested for cheating at a Las Vegas casino on Sunday. Oakley allegedly attempted to pull back a $100 chip from a bet after realizing that he was going to lose. Officials from the Nevada Gaming Board stated that Oakley “was suspected of adding to or reducing his wager on a gambling game after the outcome was known.”
Oakley was booked into the Clark County Detention Center following his arrest. His court date has been scheduled for August 7th.
Charles Oakley has been arrested in Vegas for allegedly trying to steal back his $100 chip from a casino… you know, one of those places built on stealing other people’s ? (via @TMZ_Sports)
It’s a Hard #Knicks Life. pic.twitter.com/xEyQjo4izi
— It’s a Hard Knicks Life Podcast (@HardKnicksLife) July 12, 2018
Oakley’s crime is not taken lightly in Las Vegas. “To commit or attempt to commit a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment” as Oakley did is punishable by up to six years in prison. Despite the severity of this issue, Oakley’s camp has stated that “this is an insignificant matter that will be quickly resolved.”
Oakley’s arrest comes only 17 months after he was infamously ejected from Madison Square Garden. During said incident, Oakley exchanged words with Knicks owner James Dolan, which escalated into a shoving match between the two. This led to Oakley being detained and subsequently banned from Madison Square Garden. This ban has since been lifted.
WATCH: Former Knicks player, NBA legend Charles Oakley arrested following altercation at Madison Square Garden: https://t.co/PbBPtnndEM pic.twitter.com/DD50ciVg7O
— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 9, 2017
Oakley has garnered a “bad boy” reputation, as he has frequently ended up in handcuffs throughout the years. It is perhaps this same aggressive attitude which made “The Oak Tree” a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Oakley was best known for his rebounding capabilities. Oakley was skilled on the defensive end of the floor, as proven by his selection to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1994 as well as to the second team in 1998.
Those days are long gone for the 19-year veteran. If this behavior continues, it won’t be long until Oakley’s rap sheet is longer than his resume.
Featured Image via Flickr/Kevin Coles
