Nearly two weeks after Los Angeles Lakers forward Jaxson Hayes shoved the Washington Wizards mascot during pregame festivities, the individual portraying G-Wiz has secured legal representation from an attorney with a notable history with the NBA player.
Waukeen McCoy, a San Francisco-based lawyer who previously represented Hayes' former partner Sofia Jamora in a domestic violence lawsuit against the athlete, confirmed to media outlets that he is now representing the mascot performer injured in the January 30 incident at Capital One Arena.
The confrontation occurred during standard pregame introductions when Hayes, apparently reacting to the mascot stepping on his foot, forcefully pushed the character aside. The moment, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, prompted the NBA to issue a one-game suspension to the Lakers player, which he served during Los Angeles' matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Legal Action on the Horizon
McCoy indicated that while he intends to provide an opportunity for resolution outside of court, litigation appears likely. "We will give them the opportunity to resolve the matter before taking legal action," McCoy stated, "but legal action is anticipated." The attorney also hinted that additional parties beyond Hayes might be named in potential proceedings, though he declined to specify who else could be involved.
Regarding the extent of injuries sustained by his client, McCoy remained deliberately vague, stating only, "All I want to say at the moment is that he was injured." The ambiguity suggests the possibility of both physical and potentially professional repercussions for the performer, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed.
Hayes' Response and Apology
Following his suspension, Hayes addressed the incident during a media session, offering apologies to both his Lakers teammates and the mascot directly. The 23-year-old center explained his actions as a reflexive response to being stepped on.
"We live and we learn," Hayes remarked, characterizing the shove as an impulsive reaction rather than a malicious act. His explanation suggests the contact was unintentional, though the force visible in video footage led many to question whether his response was proportionate to the alleged provocation.
The NBA's disciplinary action came swiftly, with the league announcing the one-game ban shortly after reviewing the incident. Hayes served his suspension during the Lakers' home game against the 76ers at Crypto.com Arena, missing a contest against a key conference rival.
Attorney's Criticism of NBA's Double Standard
McCoy has been vocal in his criticism of the league's handling of the situation, particularly when contrasted with its response to the domestic violence allegations against Hayes. In statements to the press, he accused the NBA of demonstrating a troubling inconsistency in its disciplinary approach.
"If it's a woman, they drag their feet," McCoy asserted, pointing to what he perceives as a delayed and inadequate response to the serious allegations Jamora raised against Hayes. The attorney's comments highlight ongoing scrutiny regarding how professional sports leagues address off-court misconduct versus on-court incidents.
The domestic violence case, which Jamora filed against Hayes, reached a settlement in June 2025. McCoy described the resolution as "settled amicably," though the terms were not disclosed publicly. The timing of that settlement, coming after the mascot incident, adds another layer to the narrative surrounding Hayes' conduct.
Broader Implications for Player Conduct
This incident raises important questions about the boundaries of player behavior during game-day operations and the protections afforded to arena staff, including performers. Mascots, while entertaining, are employees performing their duties, and any physical altercation with them could expose players and teams to legal liability beyond league discipline.
The involvement of McCoy, who successfully represented Jamora, signals that the mascot performer is taking the matter seriously and seeking experienced counsel familiar with Hayes' history. This strategic choice suggests the performer may pursue not only compensation for injuries but also damages related to any professional setbacks or emotional distress.
Potential Legal Pathways
Should the case proceed to litigation, several legal theories could be pursued. A personal injury claim would require demonstrating that Hayes acted negligently or intentionally caused harm. While Hayes claims the mascot stepped on his foot first, establishing provocation as a defense would depend on whether that contact justified the level of force used.
Additionally, the mention of "other parties" could implicate the Washington Wizards organization, the arena operators, or even the NBA itself. Possible claims might include inadequate security, failure to protect employees, or creating an unsafe working environment. The Wizards could potentially argue they took reasonable precautions, while the NBA might face questions about whether its disciplinary response was sufficient to deter future incidents.
League's Disciplinary Framework Under Scrutiny
The NBA's player conduct policy grants Commissioner Adam Silver broad authority to impose penalties for conduct detrimental to the league. While the one-game suspension aligns with past punishments for similar incidents, McCoy's criticism suggests the league's criteria for urgency and severity may appear inconsistent to outside observers.
The comparison to the domestic violence case is particularly striking. When Jamora's allegations surfaced, the NBA conducted an investigation that lasted several months before any disciplinary action was considered. In contrast, the mascot shoving resulted in an immediate suspension. This disparity in response times forms the core of McCoy's critique about how the league prioritizes different types of misconduct.
Impact on Hayes' Career
For Hayes, this incident represents another blemish on his professional record. The 2025 first-round pick has shown promise on the court but has now been involved in two public legal controversies within a relatively short period. Teams and sponsors increasingly scrutinize players' off-court behavior, and repeated incidents can affect contract negotiations and endorsement opportunities.
The Lakers organization has not issued extensive public comment beyond acknowledging the league's suspension and expressing confidence in Hayes' growth. However, internal discussions likely focus on supporting the player's development while ensuring he understands the professional standards expected of him.
Conclusion
As the Wizards mascot performer prepares for potential legal action, the sports world watches to see how this unusual case unfolds. The involvement of attorney Waukeen McCoy adds a layer of complexity, given his history with Hayes, and his criticism of the NBA's disciplinary inconsistencies resonates with broader conversations about how leagues handle player misconduct.
Whether resolved through settlement or litigation, this incident serves as a reminder that professional athletes operate under intense scrutiny, and their actions—whether on the court or during pregame festivities—carry significant consequences. For Hayes, the lesson that "we live and we learn" may come with a substantial legal and financial cost, while for the NBA, it represents another test of its commitment to consistent and fair disciplinary practices.