The Washington Wizards mascot who was shoved by an NBA star has hired a legal counsel in an unexpected twist to the shocking ordeal.
On January 30th, drama sparked between the LA Lakers and the Wizards after the Washington mascot, G-Wiz, ran off the court following pre-game introductions.
As the individual attempted to head down the tunnel, avoiding the team cheerleaders standing courtside, he was shoved by Lakers star Jaxson Hayes in a bizarre move.
In response, the NBA suspended Hayes for a single game without pay for his actions and now, according to TMZ, the man behind the mask has lawyered up.
The outlet report that G-Wiz, or rather the person who was wearing the costume on the night, has selected the attorney who previously represented Sofia Jamora in her domestic violence lawsuit against Hayes back in 2021.
Law firm Waukeen McCoy told the outlet: ‘We will give them the opportunity to resolve the matter before taking legal action. But legal action is anticipated.’
The Washington Wizards mascot who was shoved by LA Lakers star Jaxson Hayes has lawyered up in a shocking twist to the bizarre ordeal
On January 30th, Hayes shoved Wizards mascot ‘G-Wiz’ during the pre-game introduction
In regard to the physical injuries suffered by the Wizards mascot, the law firm said: ‘All I want to say at the moment is that he was injured’.
The Daily Mail have reached out to law firm Waukeen McCoy for comment.
Hayes was handed a one-game suspension by the NBA for the incident, which he has since served following their game against the Philadelphia 76ers last week.
The 25-year-old returned to action for the Lakers’ 105-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors, where he issued an apology to the Wizards and the mascot.
‘I obviously apologize to the team, the mascot,’ Hayes said. ‘We all try to get ourselves in the mental space and physical space to play a game and when I’m stretching and someone steps on my foot, I might’ve lost it.
‘I should’ve handled it a different way. You live and you learn,’ the Lakers star added.
Hayes is playing on a one-year contract worth just short of $3.45million. After being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks and being instantly traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, he signed with the Lakers in free agency in 2023.
The Texas product has had run-ins with the law before over a domestic violence incident in 2021 between himself and ex-girlfriend Jamora. In the police’s response, Hayes shoved an officer into a wall.
He pled no-contest to misdemeanor charges of false imprisonment and resisting an officer and was sentenced to three years’ probation, one year of weekly domestic violence classes and community service.
The Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, pictured at their recent game against the Miami Heat. It is unknown as to whether it was the same person inside the costume from the Lakers game
Hayes was handed a one-game suspension by the NBA for the incident – which he has served
The incident comes shortly after a Detroit Lions fan demanded a $100million payout in court after being involved in a viral sideline clash with DK Metcalf.
On December 21, CBS cameras caught Metcalf jawing with Lions fan Ryan Kennedy during their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers receiver then grabbed Kennedy by his shirt collar and punched at his face. Metcalf only made minimal contact, if any, with his swing.
Reports later claimed that Kennedy had used racial slurs to provoke Metcalf, however there was no evidence to substantiate these claims.
