Australian basketball star Josh Giddey is reportedly the subject of a police investigation following social media allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl.
Newport Beach police have launched an inquiry into Giddey, who plays with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the National Basketball Association, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Tough night: Josh Giddey was booed by Minnesota fans during Tuesday’s game at the Target Centre.Credit: AP
The Times said police provided few details about the ongoing investigation, but said it involved a minor and that detectives were looking into whether a crime had occurred, according to Sergeant Steve Oberon of the Newport Beach Police Department. This masthead has contacted the Newport Beach Police Department for comment.
The police inquiry comes after the NBA confirmed on Saturday that the league had begun its own investigation into whether Giddey, 21, had a relationship with a minor. NBA spokesman Michael Bass was contacted again for comment on Wednesday about the police investigation.
The age of consent in California is 18. The legal age to attend a nightclub in the United States is 21.
Giddey has continued to play for the Thunder, including in Wednesday’s (AEDT) 106-103 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road.
Before the in-season tournament game, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was asked about the police investigation, but did not provide any clarity.
“I’m not gonna comment on anything as it relates to Josh off the court,” he said.
Giddey was loudly booed by Minnesota fans whenever he touched the ball. At one point, the crowd cheered when he attempted a pass toward the basket that went out of play. He finished with 10 points, six rebounds and an assist in 28 minutes of court time.
His alleged involvement with a minor first emerged on the social media platform X, where pictures and videos began to spread online. The images, with Giddey and a female who is allegedly underage, circulated last week.
One of the images is of a shirtless Giddey standing behind the woman.
The point guard was asked about the allegations over the weekend.
“I understand the question obviously, but no further comment right now,” Giddey told reporters last week.
“I get the question guys, I completely understand you want to know about it, but just for right now, I don’t have anything to say.”
Giddey, who played with the Boomers at the World Cup this year and looms as key to Australia’s medal chances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has the support of coach Brian Goorjian.
Goorjian said the issue was “out of my wheelhouse”, but has sent a message to Giddey, and will meet with Giddey next month while catching up with several Australian players in the NBA.
“It’s really out of my wheelhouse,” Goorjian said on the Gold Coast on Monday.
“All I’ve done is messaged him and let him know the support is there. I am going to go over in early December and see him face-to-face. I just want to let him know right now he’s got our full support.”
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
