JJ Redick and Jaxson Hayes (Images Credit: Getty Images)
A recently released video by TMZ has put Los Angeles Lakers’ center Jaxson Hayes in the spotlight, capturing a heated incident with his then-girlfriend, model Sofia Jamora. The footage dates back to 2021 when Hayes was still a player for the New Orleans Pelicans.
In response to the video’s release, the NBA announced it is reopening its investigation into Hayes’ actions during the incident. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Laker’s head coach, JJ Redick, addressed the situation.
“We’re obviously aware that the investigation has been reopened, and we’re going to cooperate fully. But other than that, I’m not going to have another comment on that,” Redick said.
The investigation comes as Hayes continues to focus on his performance with the Lakers this season. He is currently averaging 5.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
Jaxson Hayes Was Uncooperative In His Legal Case
In the footage, Jaxson Hayes appears to be abusive during an argument over their pet, forcefully pulling Jamora from one room to another. At that moment, the situation escalated to the point where the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. According to a previous statement from the LAPD, Hayes was uncooperative with officers at the scene.
“Officers utilized physical force to take Hayes down to the ground to overcome his resistance. Once on the ground, Hayes attempted to get up and continued resisting officers. Officers utilized two deployments of the taser, as well as body weight and physical force during the altercation,” the LAPD said.
As a result of this incident, Hayes was arrested and sentenced to three years of probation in 2022. His punishment included community service and attending classes focused on domestic violence awareness. Despite this troubled past, he joined the Lakers in 2023, hoping for a fresh start in his basketball career.