New York Knicks great Charles Oakley had his name pop up in headlines once again after being arrested for cheating at a casino on The Las Vegas Strip on Sunday. The former All-Star big man allegedly tried to pull back a $100 chip from a bet he placed after realizing he was going to lose. He “was suspected of adding to or reducing his wager on a gambling game after the outcome was known,” said officials from the Nevada Gaming Board. Oakley was then booked into the Clark County Detention Center following the 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
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This crime is not taken lightly in 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, his camp does not believe it will cause Oakley much grief, saying that “this is an insignificant matter that will be quickly resolved.”
The arrest comes only 17 months after his infamous ejection from Madison Square Garden. He had exchanged words with Knicks owner James Dolan and escalated into a shoving match that led to him being detained and banned from MSG that 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
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Oakley has built himself a “bad boy” reputation, frequently making decisions that end with him in handcuffs. It is perhaps that same aggressive attitude that made “The Oak Tree” a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. He was most well known for his rebounding capabilities, leading the league in total boards twice and finishing top ten in the same category six times. He was also an animal on the defensive end of the floor as proven by his selection to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1994 as well as the second team in 1998.
Those days are long gone for the 19-year veteran, and if this behavior continues, it won’t be long until his rap sheet is longer than his resume.
Featured Image Via Flickr/Kevin Coles