LAS VEGAS Charles Oakley, a former standout basketball player for the New York Knicks, has filed a lawsuit against MGM Resorts International’s Aria Resort & Casino, alleging he was assaulted by members of the resort’s security team.
The 6-foot-9, 245-pound Oakley claims he was “jumped” and beaten by five Aria security personnel in a secluded area of the resort in May 2010. The altercation allegedly sent Oakley to a Las Vegas emergency room with severe injuries to his neck, back, head and wrist.
The lawsuit filed last week in Clark County District Court names Aria, along with five named security officers and 10 unnamed personnel, as defendants. MGM Resorts company policy prohibits commenting publicly on pending lawsuits.
According to the lawsuit, Oakley was denied reentry to Aria’s VIP pool area, which led to a verbal altercation with security. Oakley then attempted to return to his guestroom before being attacked in a “gang-style beatdown.” The lawsuit alleges negligence, assault, assault with excessive force, battery, false imprisonment and defamation. Oakley seeks unspecified damages.
Oakley, 47, is currently an assistant coach for the Charlotte Bobcats.