As a player Charles Oakley was never one to shy away from a confrontation on the basketball court. Apparently he isn’t shy about getting into them away from the court either. I’m sure he wasn’t expecting the kind of response he received though. A report by the Associated Press indicates a “verbal altercation” led to Oakley receiving rough treatment from a few security guards.
Oakley has filed a lawsuit against the Aria hotel at MGM Resorts International’s CityCenter complex, where he was attending Michael Jordan’s annual international golf charity event last year. He’s also filed separate suits against the five security officers that issued what he called a “Gang-Style Beatdown”.
Details of the event were given in the article as:
Oakley was an invited guest at Aria’s VIP pool area May 28 when he left the area, the complaint says, but security officers and staff prevented him from re-entering.
After a “verbal altercation” with officers, Oakley attempted to return to his room when he was “assaulted” by them in a secluded area of the resort, the lawsuit alleges.
The complaint contends the officers wrestled Oakley to the ground and punched and handcuffed him, and that he was taken to the hospital with injuries to his neck, back, head and wrist, “all or some of which may be permanent and disabling
Caesar’s Palace executive Casino host Nicole Tucker tweeted pictures that seem to support the claims by Oakley regarding his injuries.
Oakley’s career spanned from 1985 to 2004 and included stints with the Bulls, Knicks, Raptors, Wizards, and Rockets before he decided to hang up the jersey. He made the NBA All-Rookie team in 1986, was an All-Star and member of the All-Defensive First Team in 1994, and a member of the All-Defensive Second Team in 1998. Oakley finished his career with 12,417 points & 12,205 rebounds. He is now an assistant coach for the Charlotte Bobcats.
