The Wizards mascot who was shoved by Jaxson Hayes before a game last month has hired a high-powered lawyer.
Waukeen McCoy, a San Francisco-based attorney, confirmed with The California Post on Wednesday he is now representing the man who Hayes knocked over during a Jan. 30 incident at Capital One Arena in DC.
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes said he shoved the Wizards’ mascot because he was stepped on during his pregame warmups. Getty Images
McCoy said he and his client are currently in settlement talks with Hayes, though if they break down, formal litigation could ensue.
The mascot, known to Washington fans as “G-Wiz,” was hit by Hayes as he was running around the court waving a giant flag just prior to the Wizards vs. Lakers tilt.
Hayes, who was suspended one game for the push, said he acted out because the mascot had stepped on him while he was warming up for the contest.
TMZ was first to report the news.
The Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, was hit by Jaxson Hayes prior to a Jan. 30 home matchup against the Lakers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Hayes, though, did nonetheless issue an apology to the mascot and his teammates.
“Should’ve handled it a different way,” he said in the days after the scene unfolded. “And, you know, we live and we learn. So, just going to keep doing that now.”
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
McCoy and Hayes have history. The lawyer represented the NBA player’s ex, Sofia Jamora, when she sued the Los Angeles center for allegedly assaulting her during their relationship.
The two ultimately settled that case last year.