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Is Jaxson Hayes racist? Punishment sought for Pelicans star for using N-word during arrest

The Los Angeles Police Protective League, a police union representing 9,000 rank and file LAPD officers, wrote to the NBA asking for action

Jaxson Hayes' arrest continues to make headlines following the controversial nature of the arrest. The Los Angeles Police Department now has even launched an investigation into whether officers used excessive force when arresting the New Orleans Pelicans center. As per the latest reports, the LAPD union is now strongly urging NBA commissioner Adam Silver to take action against Hayes. 

As per the latest report, a letter was written by the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL), a police union representing 9,000 rank and file LAPD officers. Obtained by TMZ Sports, the letter was written to Silver and New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and goes at length about the player's behaviour during the arrest. 

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The letter claims that the 6'11, 220-pound NBA player became combative on July 27, 2021, after police responded to a domestic disturbance call from his girlfriend's place. As per the latest report in TMZ Sports, law enforcement says that Hayes refused orders, hurled the N-word at officers, and pushed one police officer very hard into a wall, injuring the "much physically smaller" man.

Is Jaxson Hayes racist?

LAPPL said in the letter that following a review of body camera footage from the night, they strongly believed that Hayes was out of line, and criminally assaulted an officer during the arrest. "Mr Silver," the officers reportedly 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." They continued, "The video is clear. Your swift action in this incident is warranted."

The union adds in the letter Hayes' alleged use of the n-word was unacceptable and equated it with the time when NBA player Meyers Leonard used an anti-Semitic slur during a March video game stream. "We ask you to investigate Mr. Hayes' use of the 'N-word' during the incident," the letter said, "and based on the obvious evidence, hold him accountable for the blatant violation of the NBA's values of 'equality, tolerance, inclusion and respect.'"

LAPPL concluded the letter asking Silver and the NBA to "send an unequivocal message that assaulting police officers will never be tolerated by the NBA. Given the severity of this incident, we sincerely hope you take decisive action in this case."

But Hayes' version of the story stands slightly differently. The 21-year-old player claimed police used excessive force on his neck and caused him the inability to breathe at some points during the arrest. As a result, LAPD officials launched an investigation for the possible use of excessive force after Hayes claimed he couldn't breathe during the arrest.

And on social media, many people are standing in support of the player. "I’ve seen the Jaxson Hayes video. He was tased twice AFTER “complying.” It’s another disturbing showing of police brutality. Period. And anyone who justified those officers’ actions knowing an investigation was ongoing because of what they did needs to apologize to Hayes," one wrote. Another wrote, "Jaxson Hayes was on the ground asking for a badge number and got tasered in the chest. I still can't shake this"

But the latest reports say that he was tasered after refusing to comply. Officers reportedly asked Hayes to stay outside while they spoke with the victim, but he allegedly resisted, according to the statement. "Body Worn Video (BWV) captured Hayes repeatedly attempting to enter the residence, despite officers blocking his path and verbal commands for him to remain outside," the statement said. "Officers requested a back-up and they attempted to place Hayes' hands behind his back; however, Hayes broke free of the officers' grasp and pushed one of the officers into a wall." He was then tasered since he allegedly continued resisting officers, as per the statement.