Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore said that a categorical use of force investigation was used regarding the arrest of New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes. Hayes was arrested two weeks ago in Los Angeles for an alleged altercation with officers who responded to a report of a domestic dispute.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League sent a letter to NBA commissioner Adam Silver demanding the league take action on Hayes for his actions. The police union alleges that the center became combative and criminally assaulted an officer during his arrest.
“Mr. Silver,” the officers said in the letter, “the actions of your player were unlawful, completely unacceptable, and are as clear a prima facie case of violating several of the National Basketball Association policies as we have seen.”
“We respectfully request that you immediately initiate a thorough investigation into Mr. Hayes’ actions before, during, and after the incident and to take appropriate corrective action to hold Mr. Hayes accountable.”
The police union also wants Hayes to be investigated for using a slur.
“We ask you to investigate Mr. Hayes’ use of the ‘N-word’ during the incident,” the cops wrote, “and based on the obvious evidence, hold him accountable for the blatant violation of the NBA’s values of ‘equality, tolerance, inclusion, and respect. Given the severity of this incident, we sincerely hope you take decisive action in this case.”
