EX-NBA player faces fraud charge
Oakley changed $100 blackjack bet at Cosmopolitan, state Gaming Board says
Former NBA player Charles Oakley faces a felony charge of gambling fraud, accused of changing his bet in a game of blackjack Sunday at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, according to the state Gaming Control Board.
Oakley, who played for six NBA teams, including a 10-year stretch with the New York Knicks, was caught on resort surveillance cameras changing his $100 bet on a table game after it was clear he would lose his bet, according to the state agency.
As first reported by TMZ Sports, Oakley was reportedly shown pulling a chip back off its mark at an unspecified game.
After hotel security reviewed casino video, Oakley was arrested on a charge of “committing or attempting to commit a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment,” according to a report Thursday by Michael Lawton, the board’s senior research analyst. “Mr. Oakley was suspected of adding to or reducing his wager on a gambling game after the outcome was known.”
Oakley was booked Sunday into Clark County Detention Center and later released, according to The Associated Press. He is due to appear in court on Aug. 7.
The felony count carries a prison sentence of between one and six years and a $10,000 fine.
Oakley’s attorney, David Chesnoff, said that he is “presently investigating the facts.”
“The truth always comes out, right?” Oakley, 54, told Newsday, the Long Island newspaper. “The truth always comes out, and that’s all I’ve really got to say.”
A Cosmopolitan spokeswoman
OAKLEY
“It was exciting,” Bagley said. “It’s always good to see both of us do what we love to do, play the game. We didn’t get the win, but it was definitely a great experience to get out there and compete.”
Giles has had much more of an opportunity, and he has been impressive, averaging 10.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 stealse.
He’s had to wait his time after three knee surgeries, beginning when he was at national power Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Giles also injured his knee in his one season at Duke.
Sacramento took a chance in drafting a player with such a history, but at this point, at least, Giles looks like a wise pick.
“I’m starting to put myself together,” he said. “I’m starting to put together more parts of my game. It really means getting going on the defensive end. So when I get it going on the defensive end, I’m always going to have a good offensive game.
“My offense feels good. The coaches trust me to go out there and do what I’m supposed to do. I do a good job of not trying to overdo it, but play my spots in my position.”
Giles brings more than physical ability; he plays with some emotion and isn’t afraid to get into some trash talking.
That caught up to him Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Thomas & Mack Center when he was hit with two technical fouls, resulting in an ejection.
Giles later apologized but says he
talks to himself to get his rhythm going and to make sure he is vocal with teammates and, yes, opponents.
He also realizes his actions are more important than words.
“You really can’t be a leader unless you lead by example,” Giles said. “You’ve got to show to prove, and that’s what I try to go out there and do.
“I think I’ve got a good voice, too, when everything gets riled up.”
Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.