NBA reopens investigation into Jaxson Hayes domestic violence case after new video emerges

In July 2021, Los Angeles police were called to the home of then-New Orleans Pelicans center After Jaxson Hayes, then-girlfriend Sofia Jamora’s cousin, called 911 during a domestic dispute. This incident ended with him fighting with the police. Police use stun gun to subdue and arrest Hayes. Hayes was charged with 12 misdemeanors in Los Angeles County and was eventually sentenced to three years probation, had to perform community service and attend domestic violence classes.

The NBA chose not to suspend, penalize, or take any disciplinary action against Hayes following the incident. Claiming that this was not the only time he harassed her, Jamora sued Hayes in a case that is still working its way through the court system.

NBA reopens investigation into incident After TMZ released new security camera footage From that night onwards Story broken by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

In the video, Hayes pulls Jamora from the doorway and Jamora says, “Stop. Let me go.” Hayes can be heard replying, “What’s your problem?”

Hayes and Jamora are then shown leaving the house and continuing their argument in the driveway. “I won’t let you hit me anymore,” Jamora can be heard saying in the video. “What do I look like, a punching bag?”…

“As a result of the media report and video released this morning, we are reopening our investigation,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement to ESPN.

Hayes’ representatives stated that they are cooperating with the league and noted that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway. The Lakers also officially said they would cooperate. When the Lakers signed Hayes, GM Rob Pelinka was asked if he would sign a player after a domestic violence accusation and said they did a full vetting process, including talking to Hayes about it, and “We felt like he took ownership, took responsibility.” . There will be a better person on the other side.

This wouldn’t be the first time a video surfaced changed the perception and dynamics of a domestic violence case.

Hayes is in the second year of the veteran minimum contract he signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2023. He’s averaging 5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, coming off the bench behind Anthony Davis.