Video shows Pelicans player Jaxson Hayes being tased; excessive force investigation launched

Jaxson Hayes, the center for the New Orleans Pelicans, was arrested in Los Angeles last week. Now video of the arrest has been released and it has caused quite a stir. 

TMZ released video of Hayes’ arrest on Wednesday (Aug. 4). In the video, three Los Angeles Police Department officers can be seen restrainting and tasing Hayes as he lies on the ground. Police are reportedly seen approaching the person recording until backup arrives and the person capturing the video is approached by police officers. 

Los Angeles Police Chief Michael Moore announced yesterday that they are conducting an investigation into whether extrajudicial force was used during the arrest. 

The police were contacted by a domestic disturbance last Wednesday, resulting in this situation. After police arrived on the scene, Hayes reportedly tried to keep them from entering the home in which he was staying. During that time, the altercation began. 

Hayes, according to officers, initiated the confrontation. Despite officers blocking Hayes’ path and telling him to remain outside, the statement said that body-worn video captured him repeatedly trying to enter the house. 

In a statement, police allege that Hayes broke free of the officers’ grip and pushed one officer into a wall after they requested backup and attempted to place his hands behind his back. 

The arrest resulted in Hayes being hospitalized for battery against a law enforcement official. Bond of $25,000 freed him from police custody. 

So far, Hayes has averaged just over seven points and four rebounds in under 17 minutes per game since being selected by the Pelicans in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. Pelicans know of the arrest, but it is unclear what steps they will take as the case progresses.