NBA reopens investigation into July 2021 incident involving Jaxson Hayes.
In a new video obtained by TMZ, the Los Angeles Lakers center, 24, can be seen involved in a physical altercation with his then-girlfriend Sofia Jamora, linked to an argument over their pet dogs.
The incident happened hours before he was arrested for an altercation with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) that same evening.
After the video was shared, the NBA responded in a statement, according to ESPN, saying, “As a result of the media report and the video released this morning, we are reopening our investigation.”
A spokesman for Hayes, meanwhile, told the newspaper, “There has already been an extensive investigation that we’ve worked with the league on, and as that investigation reopens, we’ll continue to do so.”
The NBA did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. A representative for Hayes could not be reached.
Jaxson Hayes 2024.
Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty
In the security video, Hayes and Jamora can be heard arguing. At one point, Jamora says, “Stop. Let me go,” before the basketball player responds, “What’s… wrong?”
As the former couple then leave the residence, Jamora then appears to say in the video, “I won’t let you hit me again. What the hell do I look like, a punching bag?” He also threatens to call the police on Hayes.
The video then shows Hayes, who was playing for the New Orleans Pelicans at the time, walking away from his ex-girlfriend, before turning around and seemingly spitting at her.
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After a dispute years ago, the LAPD responded to a report of a domestic disturbance.
At that time, officers asked Hayes to stay outside while they spoke with Jamora about the alleged incident, but the athlete was uncooperative and tried to re-enter the residence several times.
“Officers used physical force to knock Hayes to the ground in order to overcome his resistance. Once on the ground, Hayes attempted to get up and continued to resist the officers. Officers used Tasers twice, as well as body weight and physical force during the attack altercation,” the LAPD said in a previous statement.
According to NBC Sports, Jamora claimed that Hayes had previously molested her. She filed a lawsuit against the basketball player, which is still active.
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Jaxson Hayes 2023.
Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty
The media reported that Hayes was charged with 12 misdemeanors and sentenced to three years of probation, including community service and attending domestic violence classes.
At the time of the incident, the NBA did not discipline Hayes.
According to NBC Sports, Hayes and the Lakers are currently cooperating with the investigation.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or go to thehotline.org. All calls are free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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Source: HIS Education