NBA reopens investigation into Lakers backup center over 2021 video

The NBA says it is reopening an investigation concerning Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes after video was posted of an incident with his ex-girlfriend.

‘As a result of the media report and video posted this morning, we are reopening our investigation,’ NBA spokesman Mike Bass told ESPN in a statement.

Hayes is seen in the nearly six-minute video pulling Jamora out of a doorway.

Jamora can be heard in the video pleading, ‘Stop. Let go of me.’

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Hayes then says, ‘What the (expletive) is wrong with you?’

Jamora then says, ‘I’m not going to let you hit me anymore. ‘What the (expletive) do I look like, a punching bag?’

Hayes walks away from Jamora and then spits in her direction.

Hayes, who played for the New Orleans Pelicans at the time of the incident, was arrested and charged with a dozen counts as he shoved a police officer before he was tased before being booked into custody.

Hayes eventually pleaded no contest to misdemeanor counts of false imprisonment and resisting an officer and was ordered to pay restitution. He was sentenced to three years of probation, 450 hours of community service, and a year of weekly domestic violence classes.

The 24-year-old Hayes is in second season with the Lakers and is averaging 5 points and 4.2 rebounds in a reserve role this season.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY