The Newport Beach Police Department is facing an issue in its ongoing investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship between Oklahoma City Thunder player Josh Giddey and a minor, claiming the girl and her family are refusing to cooperate with officials.
"The Newport Beach Police Department is aware of information being circulated online involving an alleged relationship between professional basketball player Josh Giddey and a female minor," the department said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY on Wednesday (November 29). "The Newport Beach Police Department is actively seeking additional information related to these allegations and pursuing all leads and evidence to obtain the facts of the case.
"The Newport Beach Police Department aims to ensure a fair and thorough investigative process while maintaining the privacy and dignity of everyone involved. At this time, NBPD Detectives are still conducting an active investigation."
NBA spokesman Mike Bass confirmed the league was investigation the allegations against Giddey, 21, in a statement obtained by the Athletic's Shams Charania on Friday (November 24).
"The NBA is looking into the allegations of Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey having inappropriate relationship with a minor that have emerged via social media, league spokesman Mike Bass said," Charania wrote on his X account.
Giddey broke his silence during Friday's practice when asked about posts shared on social media Wednesday (November 22) accusing him of an inappropriate relationship with a potentially underage girl.
“I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now,” Giddey said via USA TODAY Sports.
“I get the question guys, I completely understand you guys want to know about it but just for right now, I don’t have anything to say,” Giddey added when asked about the accusations again.
Giddey was selected by the Thunder at No. 6 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft out of his native Australia and has been a key factor in the franchise's successful rebuild, averaging 12.3 points, points, 4.5 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game for Oklahoma City, which currently ranks second in the Western Conference through its first 15 games of the 2023-24 NBA season.
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