Police in Newport Beach, California, are investigating allegations that Oklahoma City Thunder player Josh Giddey had an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl in their jurisdiction. ESPN reported on Wednesday.
Last week a series of photos and videos were published online alleging the Australian had a sexual relationship with a minor. The post has since been deleted.
“We have information and we are reviewing it,” said Sergeant Steve Oberon of the Newport Beach Police Department. “We are investigating whether or not there was a crime.”
The NBA said through a spokesman on Friday that it had opened an internal investigation into the case.
Giddey, who turned 21 last month, declined to comment on the allegations.
“I understand the question of course, but there is no further comment at the moment,” Giddey said on Friday. “I understand the question, guys. I completely understand that you want to know. I have nothing to say at the moment.”
Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault also declined to discuss the topic when asked Friday.
“Personal matter and I have no comment,” Daigneault said. “And that will be my answer to everything related to it.”
Giddey was aggressively mocked by the opposing fans seemingly every time he touched the ball during a 106-103 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Cup game on Tuesday night.
Giddey was the sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft. In his third NBA season, he is averaging 12.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He was a feature player for Oklahoma City, which has won 11 of its first 17 games and sits third in the Western Conference.
