Dolan Buries Hatchet with Oakley, Immediately Signs Him to Flagrantly Foul Wemby

In a stunning act of reconciliation eight years in the making, Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan extended an olive branch to his most famous enemy Monday, then immediately asked if Oakley could suit up by Thursday.

NEW YORK — New York Knicks owner James Dolan formally ended his nearly decade-long feud with Charles Oakley on Monday, announcing a full reconciliation at a press conference that lasted nearly four minutes before pivoting to a discussion of Oakley's screening ability.

"Charles and I have had our differences," said Dolan, reading from a prepared statement while visibly struggling to maintain eye contact with the 62-year-old Oakley seated beside him. "But when I look at what Wembanyama is doing to our bigs in the paint, I think we can all agree that forgiveness is a journey. And Charles Oakley is a large man with extremely aggressive elbows."

Oakley, who was removed from MSG by security in 2017 in one of the more discussed moments in recent Knicks history, accepted the one-day contract with characteristic grace, reportedly telling Dolan backstage that he would "let it go, for now." Sources confirmed that "for now" was his entire opening statement, delivered in full, with no further elaboration offered or requested.

"We asked Charles to guard Wemby in practice," said an assistant coach who requested anonymity. "He grabbed him by the jersey, said something that cannot be printed, and Wembanyama immediately asked to be traded. So we know the formula works."

Dolan ended the press conference by placing a hand on Oakley's shoulder and saying he looked forward to "a new chapter." Oakley moved Dolan's hand. The chapter, multiple sources agreed, remains new.