Phil Jackson said James Dolan was forced to become involved in day-to-day operations of the New York Knicks prior to his hiring as president.

"He had to meddle" Jackson said, "because of the (poor) decisions that were made."

Dolan and the Garden have gone to great lengths to dismiss the notion that Dolan meddles in the basketball operations. Jackson reiterated that Dolan gave him assurances that he'll allow him to run the team.

"He has this tremendous, competitive drive," he said.