Following the release of new video footage of the altercation by TMZ. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass confirmed this decision to ESPN, stating, “As a result of the media report and video posted this morning, we are reopening our investigation.”
The released footage, recorded by security cameras, depicts Hayes—who was a player for the New Orleans Pelicans at the time—engaged in a heated dispute with his former girlfriend, Sofia Jamora. In the video, Hayes appears to pull Jamora away from a doorway as she pleads, “Stop. Let go of me,” to which he replies, “What the f–k is wrong with you?” The Ring camera footage is dated July 28, 2021, at 1:35 a.m. The argument escalates to the driveway, where Jamora asserts, “I’m not going to let you hit me anymore,” adding, “What the f–k do I look like, a punching bag?”
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance call at the scene in Woodland Hills, California, resulting in Hayes’s arrest. In June 2022, he was sentenced to three years of probation, 450 hours of community service, and a year of weekly domestic violence classes.
Initially, the NBA did not impose any disciplinary action on Hayes after its first investigation. However, additional police body camera footage reveals Hayes struggling with officers and being tased twice when they tried to remove him from the residence.
Hayes, who signed a two-year, $4.6 million contract with the Lakers in 2023, is currently averaging 5.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game as the Lakers start their season with a 4-2 record.