NBA analyst Rachel DeMita calls for 'zero-tolerance policy' for domestic violence cases after Lakers center makes headlines

The NBA and Los Angeles Lakers are under fire this weekend after a video surfaced of center Jaxson Hayes allegedly physically and verbally abusing his ex-girlfriend back in 2021. TMZ released the video on Sunday morning, with an uproar ensuing on social media.

NBA analyst and former NBA 2KTV host Rachel DeMita shared her thoughts on the video with a post to X on Sunday afternoon.

"NBA should have a zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence like what are we doing," Demita posted.

The video is from Hayes' time with the New Orleans Pelicans following the 2020-21 NBA season. Hayes was arrested for the incident and charged with 12 misdemeanors, including domestic battery, battery against an officer and resisting arrest. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors, with the other 10 charges dropped, and was sentenced to probation and 450 hours of community service.

In the video, Hayes could be seen pulling, pushing and spitting at his then-girlfriend Sofia Jamora. After Jamora alerted the authorities, Hayes allegedly began breaking glass and knocking over furniture around the Los Angeles home.

The NBA opened an investigation on Hayes but took no action against the center. Following the release of the video, the league elected to rethink that decision.

NBA opens investigation on Lakers' Jaxson Hayes

As per ESPN, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass confirmed the league would be reopening their investigation of Jaxson Hayes and the 2021 incident in an interview on Sunday afternoon.

A Los Angeles Lakers spokesperson also reportedly confirmed the team will be cooperating with the NBA's investigation. Per ESPN's report, the video surfaced after a lawsuit was filed by Jamora regarding the incident.

A representative of Sofia Jamora told ESPN the investigation is "welcomed," and Jamora will be fully cooperative.

Hayes is in his sixth NBA season and his second with the Lakers. In six games, Hayes is averaging 5.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game.