The NBA has reopened its investigation into a 2021 incident involving Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, after TMZ released a video on Saturday showing Hayes in a physical altercation with his then-girlfriend, model Sofia Jamora.
The footage, captured on a security camera, depicts Hayes, who was then playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, pulling Jamora out of a doorway during a confrontation. The league’s decision to revisit the case comes more than three years after Hayes was initially arrested and disciplined for the incident.
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass confirmed the reopening of the investigation to ESPN, citing the newly surfaced footage. “As a result of the media report and video posted this morning, we are reopening our investigation,” Bass stated.
Hayes’ representative acknowledged the investigation’s reopening, noting the player’s continued cooperation.
The incident, originally occurring on July 28, 2021, shows Hayes and Jamora arguing inside and later outside the residence. In the footage, Jamora can be heard accusing Hayes of physical aggression, saying,
“I’m not going to let you hit me anymore.” Hayes then appears to spit in her direction before the argument escalates. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance call, and Hayes was arrested after a physical confrontation with officers.
According to police reports, Hayes was stunned twice with a Taser after allegedly resisting orders to exit the residence. Hayes and one officer were both treated for minor injuries following the encounter.
In June 2022, Hayes was sentenced to three years of probation, 450 hours of community service, and a year of domestic violence classes. Despite his legal sentencing, the NBA opted not to impose additional disciplinary measures on Hayes at that time.
The revived investigation coincides with a new lawsuit filed last week by Jamora’s legal team, who allege that Robert T. Tamate, one of the LAPD officers involved, received an undisclosed monetary payment from Hayes after a meeting with Hayes’ attorneys.
Jamora’s representative stated her willingness to support the NBA’s renewed inquiry, showing the league’s zero-tolerance policy on domestic violence.
Hayes, who signed a two-year, $4.6 million contract with the Lakers in 2023, has maintained a relatively low profile since the initial incident.
- The Lakers front office, including Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, previously emphasized Hayes’ accountability regarding the situation, with Pelinka noting, “Jaxson has been very sincere [with] his apologies around handling that and has moved beyond it… It was something that we felt like he owned.”
Lakers head coach JJ Redick echoed the organization’s stance on cooperating with the investigation, but refrained from further comments. Hayes, currently averaging 5.0 points and 4.2 rebounds this season, declined to speak to the media following the team’s practice on Sunday.
The investigation now rests with the NBA as it reviews the new evidence and re-evaluates the case in light of the league’s domestic violence policies.
