Mascot Who Was Shoved by NBA Star Hires Lawyer as Pregame Drama Takes Unexpected Twist
The Washington Wizards mascot who was shoved by Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has hired legal counsel, transforming a bizarre pregame incident into a potential courtroom battle.
What Happened
On January 30, moments before tip-off between the Lakers and Wizards, G-Wiz Washington’s furry blue mascot attempted to head down the tunnel after pregame introductions, navigating past cheerleaders courtside.
Hayes, 25, extended his arm and shoved the mascot. Video shows the costumed figure stumbling before regaining balance and continuing toward the tunnel.
The NBA suspended Hayes for one game without pay. He served the ban and later apologized, saying: “I obviously apologize to the team, the mascot. When someone steps on my foot, I might’ve lost it. I should’ve handled it a different way. You live and you learn.”
According to TMZ, the individual inside the G-Wiz costume has retained attorney Waukeen McCoy—the same lawyer who represented Hayes’ ex-girlfriend Sofia Jamora in her 2021 domestic violence lawsuit against the Lakers big man.
McCoy’s firm released a terse statement: “We will give them the opportunity to resolve the matter before taking legal action. But legal action is anticipated.”
In 2021, Hayes was involved in a violent altercation with then-girlfriend Jamora. Police bodycam footage showed Hayes shoving an officer into a wall during the response.
The Lakers, currently holding the West’s No. 5 seed, have declined comment. Hayes is playing on a one-year, $3.45 million contract and has remained in the rotation since returning from suspension.
The Wizards organization has not addressed whether the same individual still portrays G-Wiz. Meanwhile, the man who spent his night entertaining fans in a furry suit now finds himself at the center of an NBA legal saga with a lawyer best known for suing the very player who shoved him.
The big question: Will Hayes’ apology be enough to avoid a lawsuit?
His lawyer is about to find out.