Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers center, apologized for shoving the Washington Wizards mascot “G-Wiz” ahead of their game at the end of January
Jaxson Hayes, a Los Angeles Lakers center, has apologized for an incident in which he shoved the Washington Wizards mascot “G-Wiz” during pregame introductions ahead of the Lakers and Wizards game on Jan. 30.
Hayes was suspended one game without pay for the incident. He served the suspension Feb. 5 during the Lakers game against the Philadelphia 76ers, where the Lakers won 119-115.
Having now returned from the suspension, Hayes apologized for his actions after the Lakers’ 105-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 7. He said G-Wiz interrupted his pre-game preparations, but did let his emotions get the better of him.
“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.”
Jaxson Hayes said he apologized to his team and the Wizards mascot after last week’s incident that led to his suspension. Here’s his explanation of what happened: pic.twitter.com/OSDCKdloXh
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) February 8, 2026
The incident occurred when G-Wiz ran across the court carrying a comically large Wizards flag. When he reached the Lakers bench, Hayes slammed his body into the mascot, sending G-Wiz to the ground, as the mascot also collided with one of the Wizards dancers. The person inside the mascot costume was reportedly uninjured.
Hayes had 10 points in 14 minutes in this game, where the Lakers would go on to win 142-111.
Jaxson Hayes shoved Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, in pre-game introductions
Hayes has been suspended for one game, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/x4xz2Ndw2I
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 4, 2026
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