The NBA has decided to reopen a domestic violence investigation involving Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes following the emergence of new video footage from a 2021 incident with his then-girlfriend, Sofia Jamora, as confirmed by league spokesman Mike Bass to ESPN on Saturday.
TMZ recently released footage from a security camera showing parts of the altercation between Hayes, who was playing for the New Orleans Pelicans at the time, and Jamora. The video captures Hayes pulling Jamora from one room to another while she pleads, “Stop. Let go of me.” Hayes responds with, “What the f— is wrong with you?”
Subsequently, the video depicts Hayes pushing Jamora away and spitting in her direction before breaking objects and flipping furniture in the house. Police were eventually called to the scene, leading to Hayes’ arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
Despite facing charges, Hayes ultimately pleaded no contest to certain offenses and received a sentence that included probation, community service, domestic violence classes, and restitution. The NBA did not initially discipline Hayes following its first investigation into the incident.
A spokesperson for Hayes mentioned that they had already cooperated with an extensive investigation conducted by the league and will continue to do so as the case reopens. The release of the new video is linked to a lawsuit filed by Jamora’s attorneys, alleging questionable interactions between one of the arresting officers and Hayes’ legal representatives.
Hayes is currently in his sixth NBA season, playing for the Lakers and averaging 5.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
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