Charles Oakley's Assault Suit Against James Dolan Given Another Fighting Chance

Charles Oakley's assault case against New York Knicks owner James Dolan is back on after being heard by an appeals court.

This long-running clash of egos and hurt feelings began back in February 2017, when Dolan had security forcibly remove the former Chicago Bulls and Knicks bruiser from Madison Square Garden.

Oakley then sued Dolan for a whole host of allegations, including assault and battery. The case was dismissed in federal court in February -- but apparently, the appeals court believes the lower court didn't take Oakley's assault claims seriously enough.

Oakley claims MSG security played too rough in shoving him to the ground. That may be true, but if the power forward once known for protecting Michael Jordan is now getting roughed up by guys a foot shorter ... well, it appears worthy a lawsuit.

"This is a great day for Knicks fans and fans of Mr. Oakley, and we look forward to the truth of what happened finally coming out," Oakley's attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, told TMZ Sports.

Dolan getting sued? A great day for Knicks fans? Hey, if you've seen the Knicks on the court for the past decade or so, you know their fans will take any small victory -- real or otherwise -- that they can get.