New York Knicks fanatic Spike Lee attended Sunday's game [February 13] against the Spurs wearing a Charles Oakley jersey, in support of the beleaguered team legend. It was a sign of solidarity that ran counter to a gesture made by James Dolan, which he believes was designed as a PR stunt. Honored for their contributions the franchise were Bernard King, Larry Johnson, and former Knicks bad boy Latrell Sprewell; all three of whom were curiously seated by Dolan's side.
"I'm not mad at any of the Knicks that showed up today," Lee said in regards to Sprewell, Johnson and King's appearance. Despite his joy in witnessing the reunion, Lee expressed having found it peculiar that after a 14 year estrangement Sprewell found himself abreast Dolan in such a timely fashion. "I stood up for everybody, gave them love. Applauded. I stood up for everybody. So I'm happy to see them. Under better conditions, yes. But I'm happy to see them regardless. But it just looks so obvious to me."
Lee told reporters of having grown frustrated while sorting through his Knicks wardrobe, as he learned that he hadn't had an Oakley jersey in his collection. The celebrated director said he was forced last minute to have a Landry Fields jersey converted so that he could properly represent his old friend. Lee says that he was present on the night Oakley was brought down by a team of MSG security guards and arrested. He says that within moments of the incident he had found his way to the tunnel to check in on the situation, admitting to having been brought to tears.
Lee says that days after the incident he had lunch with Oakley. He says that among other recommendations, he advised the former Knick that he might want to consider suing Dolan. "My wife went to UVA law school. She told me that's defamation, potential defamation of character," Lee said, concerning Dolan accusing Oakley of being an alcoholic in the press. "I mean, how can you say somebody is an alcoholic? You just can't, in my opinion. And even if the person was, why would you say that? I don't know why you would say that. All I can do is wear my jersey."
Source: blacksportsonline.com
