The Newport Beach Police Department has reportedly opened an investigation on Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a minor.
TMZ broke the news of the police inquiry on Tuesday, and it was later confirmed by ESPN. TMZ reported on Wednesday that the family of the alleged minor will not cooperate with officials.
A since-deleted social media post went viral earlier this month that showed Giddey being in an alleged relationship with an underage girl. In his only public appearance since then, the 21-year-old elected to not give any comments on the allegation in last Friday’s practice.
“I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now,” Giddey said.
Later that day, the NBA announced it would open an investigation into the allegations. When asked if the league’s investigation would change Giddey’s status for the immediate future, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said prior to Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers he’ll continue to play unless told otherwise by the league.
“Available to play. Will play. No change in status from a basketball standpoint,” Daigneault said.
Daigneault reaffirmed this stance prior to Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves when the police investigation news first broke.
“I’m just not gonna comment on anything as it relates to Josh off the court,” Daigneault said.
Against the Timberwolves, notable boos were heard inside the arena each time Giddey touched the ball.
The 21-year-old has had a prior history with the Newport Beach police department. He reportedly was ticketed twice for traffic violations in that area in July 2022.
Giddey is in his third season with the Thunder after being selected No. 6 in the 2021 NBA draft. In 17 games, he’s averaged 12 points on 43.1% shooting, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
UPDATE: The Newport Beach Police Department released an official statement on their investigation of the Giddey allegations:
