NBA player Jaxson Hayes has been slapped with 12 charges by the city attorney in Los Angeles, six months after he was arrested for domestic violence and tussling with local police.
The New Orleans Pelicans center faces certain jail time if he is convicted on the 12-count indictment including domestic violence, destroying property, use of force, resisting a police officer, and using force and violence against cops from the Los Angeles Police Department.
The charges stem from a violent episode that took place in July 2021 when Hayes’ girlfriend became concerned for her safety at a Los Angeles residence after she claimed he was acting erratically, CBS Los Angeles reports.
When the LAPD showed up on the scene, not only did Hayes, 21, refuse to allow the officers to enter the dwelling, he also began physically struggling with the officers. In the video released to the public, an officer sustained an injury to his arm when Hayes pushed him into a wall.
One officer had to use his Taser to subdue Hayes sufficiently enough to detain and apprehend the player.
While Hayes was being arrested, he claimed he couldn’t breathe, which sparked a use of force investigation. No word yet on the results of that internal probe.
Jaxson is averaging seven points and three rebounds for the Pelicans for the 2021-22 season.
Check out the video the LAPD released showing the struggle to arrest Hayes.
