The NBA continues to get softer as a league. Apparently, it’s now a punishable offense if you push a mascot, and the league is using Jaxson Hayes as an example.
He will be suspended for one game without pay for pushing the Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, during pre-game introductions. The Lakers went on to win that game 142-111.
What is happening to the game we love? Robin Lopez was notorious for beating up on mascots, and it was always a running
joke.
Charles Barkley constantly got into battles with the Nuggets mascot, Rocky, and those punches certainly looked like they were for real.
Apparently, the league didn’t view this as playful, and suspending a player without pay is certainly a harsh ruling.
It’s just such a weird suspension and seems like something you’d hear as part of a comedy sketch more than an official release from the NBA.
But yes, it’s real, and Hayes is being punished. He will be out for LA’s upcoming game against the Sixers at home on Feb. 5.
If you are concerned about G-Wiz’s physical well-being, fear not: according to Dan Woike of The Athletic, G-Wiz was not injured in this altercation.
Well, I hope G-Wiz got the justice he feels he deserves, and that Hayes learns something here, I guess?
This is an odd event, to say the least, and hearing what Lakers head coach JJ Redick thinks and what Hayes has to say about it will likely be very entertaining.
Of all the things a player could get suspended for, this seems beyond trivial and silly, but hey, the league continues to crack down on physicality, including what happens between players and mascots.
And honestly, when it comes to gambling, salary cap circumvention, and a myriad of other issues players can get in trouble for, pushing mascots is the best problem to crack down on first.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
