The NBA is reopening an investigation into a 2021 incident involving Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, then TMZ posted video Saturday of the altercation between him and his then-girlfriend.
“As a result of the media report and video released this morning, we have reopened our investigation,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass told ESPN in a comment.
TMZ released 5½ minutes of security camera footage from an incident in which Hayes, the closest member of the Unused Orleans Pelicans, is seen arguing with Sofia Jamora. The video shows Hayes trying to pull Jamora out of a door where she can also be heard saying, “Stop. Let me go.” Hayes can also be heard responding: “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
Footage from a Ring camera is dated July 28, 2021, inauguration at 1:35 a.m.
Hayes and Jamora, the closest, are shown leaving their place of residence and continuing their argument in the driveway. “I’m not going to let you hit me anymore,” Jamora can also be heard uttering in the video. “What the fuck do I look like, a punching bag?”
Not long after that comment, the video shows Hayes walking away from Jamora and closer he turns his head to spit in her direction.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the scene in Forest Hills, California, then a domestic disturbance call, and Hayes was arrested. In June 2022, he was sentenced to three years of probation, 450 hours of individual service, and one year of weekly domestic violence classes.
The NBA did not self-discipline Hayes following its preliminary investigation into the arrest.
“There has already been an extensive investigation in which we cooperated with the league, and as that investigation reopens, we will continue to do so,” a spokesperson for Hayes told ESPN on Saturday.
Hayes was ordered to pay restitution on that date, according to Rob Wilcox, spokesman for the Los Angeles city attorney.
Police camera video showed Hayes struggling with officers and being hit twice with a digital stun gun, then ordered to leave the home where they sought to question a woman inside. Hayes told officers that the woman was once his friend and that she had been “throwing some things” at him while they argued.
Hayes was treated at a health center after the altercation. An officer thrown against a wall by Hayes was treated for a bruised elbow.
Even assuming that more than three years have passed since that incident, there was unused litigation at this age.
A lawsuit filed Tuesday through attorneys representing Jamora and acquired through ESPN alleges that Robert T. Tamate, the officer with whom Hayes got into a fight, “had previously met with Hayes’ attorneys and had been monetarily compensated by Hayes.” for unknown reasons.”
“We understand that the NBA has a no-tolerance policy against domestic violence and, therefore, the victim welcomes any additional investigation into Hayes’ actions and will cooperate with any such investigation,” a Jamora spokesperson told ESPN.
Hayes signed a two-year, $4.6 million deal with the Lakers in the summer of 2023.
“I think the most important thing is that we take those things very seriously and do a full vetting process,” Rob Pelinka, Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general supervisor, told reporters on the day when asked on hiring Hayes. “Jaxson has been very honest [with] he apologizes for handling that and has gone further to where he has played a year or two in the NBA after that. “It was something we felt like he owned it, took responsibility for it, and would be a better person for overcoming it.”
A Lakers spokesperson contacted Saturday night told ESPN: “We are cooperating with the league.”
Hayes declined to speak to reporters Sunday after the Lakers practiced in Toronto.
Lakers speaker JJ Redick echoed the group’s comment.
“We are obviously aware that the investigation has been reopened and we will cooperate fully,” Redick said in a comment. “But other than that, I’m not going to make any further comment on it.”
Hayes, 24, is averaging 5.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 15.7 minutes as the Lakers play in their 4-2 start to the season.
