The NBA is reopening an investigation surrounding a July 2021 incident involving Jaxson Hayes.
In new video footage obtained, the Los Angeles Lakers center, 24, can be seen involved in a physical altercation with his then-girlfriend Sofia Jamora, tied to a dispute over their respective pet dogs.
The incident occurred 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 reacted in a statement, per ESPN, stating, “As a result of the media report and video posted this morning, we are reopening our investigation.”
A spokesperson for Hayes, meanwhile, told the outlet, “There has already been an extensive investigation that we cooperated with the league on, and as that investigation reopens, we will continue to do so.”
Jaxson Hayes in 2024.
Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty
In the security video footage, Hayes and Jamora can be heard arguing. At one point, Jamora says, “Stop. Let go of me,” before the basketball player replies, “What the f— is wrong with you?”
As the former couple then leaves the residence, Jamora next appears to say in the video, “I’m not going to let you hit me anymore. What the f— do I look like, a punching bag?” She also threatens to call the police on Hayes.
The video then shows Hayes, who played for the New Orlean Pelicans at the time, walking away from his former girlfriend, before turning around to seemingly spit at her.
After the dispute years ago, the LAPD had responded to a domestic disturbance report.
At the time, officers had asked Hayes to remain outside while they spoke to Jamora about the alleged incident, but the athlete was uncooperative and had attempted to re-enter the residence multiple times.
“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 in a prior statement.
According to NBC Sports, Jamora claimed that Hayes had previously abused her. She filed a lawsuit against the basketball player, which is still active.
The outlet reported that Hayes was charged with 12 misdemeanors and was sentenced to three years probation, including community service and attending classes about domestic violence.
At the time of the incident, Hayes was not disciplined by the NBA.
Per NBC Sports, Hayes and the Lakers are currently cooperating with the investigation.
