Jaxson Hayes apologizes for mascot incident, gives explanation

[ASFN Admin]

Los Angeles Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes was suspended for the team's game on Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Fortunately, the Lakers won by four points without him, and he was back in action on Saturday when they got past the Golden State Warriors by six points.

Hayes' suspension stemmed from an odd incident on Jan. 30 when, just prior to L.A.'s game against the Washington Wizards, he shoved the Wizards' team mascot. On Saturday, the big man publicly apologized for the incident, but he also gave what may sound to some like an excuse for his actions.

“I obviously apologize to the team, the mascot,” Hayes said. “We all try to get ourselves in the mental space and physical space to play a game and when I’m stretching and someone steps on my foot, I might’ve lost it. I should’ve handled it a different way. You live and you learn.”

A number of fans commented on social media that, according to a video of the incident, the Wizards mascot didn't even come close to making contact with Hayes' foot.

On the season, Hayes is averaging 6.4 points on 77.5% field-goal shooting, 3.8 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 17.4 minutes a game. This is his third season with the Purple and Gold.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Jaxson Hayes apologizes for mascot incident, gives explanation

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