Jaxson Hayes
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Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers was suspended for one game after pushing the Washington Wizards mascot.
The NBA suspended Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes for one game after he shoved the Washington Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, on January 30. Hayes served his suspension on February 3 against the Brooklyn Nets, but it seems like the issue isn’t going away anytime soon.
During the pregame introductions at the Capital One Arena, Hayes was caught hitting G-Wiz and sending him flying while he was heading back to the tunnel. It was an unexpected moment at that time, which went viral on social media.
The Lakers big man apologized later and explained why he got physical with G-Wiz.
“I obviously apologized to the team and to the mascot,” Hayes said. “I mean, we all try to get ourselves into a mental space and a physical space to get ready to go out and play a game. And when, somehow, I’m stretching, and somebody steps on my foot. I might have lost it and should have handled it a different way. We live, and we learn. And so, just going to keep doing that.”
The league didn’t like how Hayes just randomly attacked a mascot who was just doing his job, so they suspended him for one game as punishment.
Man Under G-Wiz Hires Hayes’ Ex-Girlfriend’s Lawyer
Despite receiving an apology from Jaxson Hayes, the man who is under G-Wiz has reportedly hired a lawyer. A lawsuit hasn’t been filed, but the lawyer who was hired by Waukeen McCoy.
According to TMZ Sports, McCoy is the same lawyer who represented Hayes’ ex-girlfriend, Sofia Jamora, in her domestic violence lawsuit against the Lakers center.
McCoy told TMZ that an injury occurred from Hayes’ attack on the mascot. They are willing to negotiate with the players’ representatives.
“We will give them the opportunity to resolve the matter before taking legal action,” McCoy said. “But legal action is anticipated. … All I want to say at the moment is that he was injured.”
Jamora initially accused Hayes of physical abuse in 2021, which involved the LAPD. The player got entangled with the police and was later given a three-year probation and domestic violence classes.
The NBA reopened an investigation into the matter in 2024 upon another lawsuit filed by Jamora, but McCoy negotiated a settlement with Hayes last year.
McCoy also took a shot at the league for suspending Hayes after he shoved a mascot, but not when he was under investigation for domestic violence.
“If it’s a woman, they drag their feet,” McCoy said.
What Did JJ Redick Say About Hayes’ Suspension?
After Jaxson Hayes’ suspension for pushing a mascot went viral, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick was asked to comment on the situation. Redick understood why the league made their decision and was hoping that his player could get something positive out of the incident.
“He made an error in judgment, and he owned up to it and apologized,” Redick said. “Hopefully, this is a learning opportunity for him.”
The Lakers got Hayes back on February 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s averaging 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game this season. He has six starts to his name, putting up 11.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists.