Several days ago, New Orleans Pelicans big man Jaxson Hayes was arrested in Los Angeles after cops showed up to attend a domestic dispute.
It was reported that Hayes was booked and released on a $25,000 bond. Now, however, it seems like the police officers are under investigation due to excessive force and injuries sustained by the former 8th overall pick:
“Officers made contact with a male, later identified as 21-year old Jaxson Hayes, in the front yard of a residence,” an LAPD statement said. “It was later determined that Hayes is (a) professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association. Officers informed Hayes they received a call at the location and needed to speak with the victim, but requested Hayes remain outside while they did so.
“Body worn video captured Hayes repeatedly attempting to enter the residence despite officers blocking his path and verbal commands for him to remain outside,” police said. “Officers requested a backup and they attempted to place Hayes’ hands behind his back; however, Hayes broke free of the officers’ grasp and pushed one of the officers into a wall.”
“Once on the ground, Hayes attempted to get up and continued resisting officers,” police said. “Officers utilized two deployments of the taser, as well as body weight and physical force during the altercation, which lasted for approximately two and a half minutes before officers were able to handcuff Hayes.”
In the footage released by TMZ, you can see how the cops are applying pressure to Hayes’ neck. And while the video doesn’t show, the officers state that Hayes was the one to escalate the confrontation.
Hayes went to the hospital to treat some minor injuries from the incident and, luckily, he’s safe and out of danger. This situation, however, won’t go away any time soon.
