Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has been suspended for one game by the NBA after shoving the Washington Wizards’ mascot, G-Wiz, during pregame introductions, the league announced Wednesday.
The incident occurred before Tuesday’s game between the Lakers and Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington. Video footage shows the blue-furred mascot skating across the court while waving a large Wizards flag. As G-Wiz approaches the Lakers’ players, Hayes extends his shoulder and makes contact, causing the mascot to stumble and fall to the floor while still holding the flag.
Hayes, 25, will serve the suspension during the Lakers’ next game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. The NBA cited unsportsmanlike conduct in its decision.
The Lakers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The shove quickly drew attention on social media, where users on X (formerly Twitter) expressed a mix of surprise, humor and criticism. Many referenced Hayes’ past legal issues, including a 2021 domestic violence incident that resulted in probation and community service but no NBA suspension.
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
“Got in more trouble for getting physical with a mascot than he did for beating his girlfriend,” wrote user @Usmanrdabai.
Another user, @WestThroneX, called the act “so uncalled for.”
Some reactions highlighted the perceived disparity in punishment. “He got more punishment for this than domestic violence lmaooo,” posted @ikepower_ with an accompanying image.
Others injected humor into the discussion. “lmao bro what type of beef does he have with the mascot? 😭😭😭😭,” wrote @chiefflips.
“That’s hilarious,” added Lakers fan @Lakeshow_323.
Criticism extended to Hayes’ character. “There’s gotta be something wrong with bro 💀,” said @KingxGlitchy. “Nigga had no reason to do this just a shit person 💀,” echoed @YoloFlame.
One user, @Greedyszn1, went further: “That woman beater shouldn’t even be in the league.”
The incident also sparked broader commentary on the Lakers. “Pushing a mascot = 1-game suspension 😭 Jaxson Hayes got the Lakers looking wild again,” posted @SportoGraphy25.
“Jaxson Hayes out here treating pregame intros like it’s UFC tryouts One game for a mascot shove but the league got selective memory on the rest Priorities wild,” wrote @Celebrity__D. (Note: This is [post:2] from keyword, but earlier I used 2 for another; adjust accordingly, but in response it’s fine.)
“Footage of Jaxson Hayes pushing the Wizards mascot which led to a 1 game suspension Lakers really the laughing stock of the NBA 😭,” said @LakeShowYo, sharing the video.
The Wizards’ mascot, G-Wiz, has been a fixture at games since 1997 and is known for high-energy antics. No injuries were reported from the incident.
