Knicks legend Charles Oakley grilled over missing texts that could be key in years-long battle against MSG owner James Dolan

Knicks legend Charles Oakley was grilled in Manhattan federal court Thursday over text messages that went “missing” in the aftermath of his infamous ejection from Madison Square Garden.The former power forward — who’s suing billionaire team owner James Dolan, 69, for booting him from a Knicks game in 2017 — was asked during a heated cross-examination why he got rid of cell phone data that could be key in the protracted legal battle.The ex-NBA star replied that he lost the data when his phone “broke” in Oakland, Calif.in July and he had to quickly get a new one.“It was more important to have a phone at that moment,” Oakley told Dolan’s lawyer, Randy Mastro.

“I don’t know what was lost.”Oakley, 62, later added that he’s simply not very tech savvy.“I don’t do well with gadgets and stuff,” he said.“My phone is not that important.

I don’t know what the cloud is.”The basketball great filed a lawsuit against Madison Square Garden and Dolan in September 2017 over the ejection, claiming security “used excessive force in accomplishing the removal.”The years-long feud between the men was revived in May, when New York Court of Appeals reinstated the twice-dismissed lawsuit.During cross-examination Thursday, Mastro asked Oakley who he texted about the arena incident, suggesting he may have contacted his sisters and former NBA player Jason Willliams.“What’s so wrong with texting the people that love me?” Oakley fired back.The attorney also grilled Oakley about whether he knew that you’re supposed to keep evidence such as text messages when you file a lawsuit.Pressed about his “duty” to preserve texts Oakley said, “Things happen.”Oakley said he’s gotten three new phones since the incident, including one in 2021.Once Oakley left the courtroom, Mastro argued he was not a credible witness — and likely intentionally got rid of his phone data. “He’s a liar,” Mastro said.“I think he made a conscious choice t...