The National Basketball Association has handed down disciplinary action against Los Angeles Lakers player Jaxson Hayes following an unusual on-court altercation involving a team mascot. The incident occurred during the Lakers' visit to the nation's capital last Friday, where they faced the Washington Wizards at their home arena.
Pre-Game Altercation Leads to Suspension
During the pre-game player introductions at the Washington Wizards' home court, the team's mascot known as G-Wiz entered the playing area waving a large flag. The fuzzy character attempted to navigate around the court's perimeter and avoid the squad of cheerleaders positioned nearby. However, Lakers bench player Jaxson Hayes unexpectedly rose from his seat and forcefully shoved the mascot, causing G-Wiz to collide with one of the cheerleaders before broadcast footage cut away to a team graphic.
NBA's Disciplinary Response
In an official statement released this week, the NBA announced that Hayes would serve a one-game suspension without pay for his actions against the mascot. The league cited unsportsmanlike conduct as the reason for the disciplinary measure. Hayes will miss the Lakers' upcoming home game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 5th as a result of the suspension.
Player Background and Performance Context
Jaxson Hayes, who contributed 10 points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal off the bench in the Lakers' decisive 142-111 victory over Washington, is currently playing on a one-year contract valued at approximately $3.45 million. The Texas-born athlete entered the league when drafted by the Atlanta Hawks before being immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, eventually signing with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent in 2023.
Previous Legal Issues
This is not the first time Hayes has faced consequences for physical altercations. In 2021, the player was involved in a domestic violence incident with his girlfriend that led to police intervention. During that encounter, Hayes reportedly shoved a responding officer into a wall. He subsequently pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of false imprisonment and resisting an officer, receiving a sentence that included three years of probation, mandatory weekly domestic violence classes for one year, and community service requirements.
The recent mascot incident has drawn attention to player conduct during pre-game ceremonies and interactions with team entertainment personnel. While mascot antics are typically considered harmless entertainment, the NBA's response indicates that physical contact with non-players during game events violates league conduct standards.
