Photo: Joshua Gateley
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey reportedly won't face charges in relation to accusations of an improper relationship with an underage girl, the Newport Police Department confirmed to TMZ Sports on Wednesday (January 17).
The department said the case, which was launched in November 2023 after related posts were shared on social media, has officially closed after investigators found no corroborating evidence. Newport Police had previously stated that 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 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 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 two days after the posts were initially shared on social media 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 11.8 points, points, 4.6 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game for Oklahoma City, which currently ranks second in the Western Conference through its first 40 games of the 2023-24 NBA season.
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