NBA Star Jaxson Hayes Involved in Controversial Altercation with Ex-Girlfriend

In a recent turn of events, the NBA has decided to reopen an investigation into a July 2021 incident involving Jaxson Hayes, a prominent player for the Los Angeles Lakers. The controversy stems from a newly surfaced video obtained by TMZ, which captures Hayes engaged in a physical altercation with his then-girlfriend, Sofia Jamora. The altercation was reportedly linked to a disagreement over their pet dogs.

[TMZSports] Released Security Footage of Jaxson Hayes Altercation Leads NBA to Reopen Investigation
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The incident unfolded just hours before Hayes was arrested following another altercation with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on the same evening. The emergence of the video prompted a swift response from the NBA. In a statement to ESPN, the league expressed, "As a result of the media report and video posted this morning, we are reopening our investigation."

While the NBA's decision to revisit the case has stirred public interest, a spokesperson for Hayes conveyed, "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." However, neither the NBA nor Hayes' representatives have responded to requests for comments from PEOPLE.

Jaxson Hayes
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The security footage in question captures a heated exchange between Hayes and Jamora, with Jamora audibly requesting Hayes to stop and let go of her. Tensions escalate as Jamora asserts, "I'm not going to let you hit me anymore. What the f--- do I look like, a punching bag?" She further threatens to involve the police in the situation.

Subsequently, the video shows Hayes, who was playing for the New Orleans Pelicans at the time, walking away from Jamora before turning back and appearing to spit in her direction, marking a distressing moment in the altercation.

Following the incident years ago, the LAPD had responded to a domestic disturbance report involving the former couple. Officers had instructed Hayes to remain outside while they spoke to Jamora regarding the alleged incident. However, Hayes' uncooperative behavior led to physical intervention by the authorities.

According to a prior statement by the LAPD, officers had to resort to physical force, including the use of a taser, to subdue Hayes due to his resistance during the altercation. NBC Sports reported that Jamora had previously accused Hayes of abuse, leading her to file a lawsuit against him, which remains active.

Jaxson Hayes!
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Hayes faced legal repercussions for his actions, being charged with 12 misdemeanors and subsequently sentenced to three years of probation, along with community service and mandatory classes on domestic violence. Notably, despite the incident, the NBA did not impose any disciplinary measures against Hayes at the time.

Currently, Hayes, now part of the Lakers roster, is actively cooperating with the ongoing investigation alongside the team. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic disputes and the importance of addressing such issues promptly and effectively.