Police in Newport Beach, Calif., have begun an investigation into whether a social media claim involving Thunder point guard Josh Giddey is valid, and if so, whether any laws were broken, per TMZ Sports.
A social media account recently claimed Giddey had an inappropriate relationship with a minor. That account has since been deactivated from all media platforms.
The claim was made on X, formerly known as Twitter. Pictures and videos of a man believed to be Giddey, 21, with an alleged underage girl quickly spread on social media. The NBA is also currently “looking into” the incident, a league spokesperson said on Friday.
The age of consent where Giddey plays in Oklahoma is 16, which is the age recognized by federal law. But the age of consent in California is 18.
Giddey, 21, has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors when asked directly. The Thunder have tried to keep the questions to Giddey related to basketball, and honestly, that’s the way it should be.
Still, the backlash has been strong as the NBA conducts an investigation — and it could cost Giddey a major endorsement.
More specifically, per Code Sports and the New York Post, Giddey may be at risk of losing his $40 million sponsorship deal with Australian cereal brand Weet-Bix, from parent company Sanitarium Health Food Company.
At this point, Giddey has only been removed from the company’s social media accounts. No ties yet have been cut, a spokesperson told Code Sports.
“We are obviously aware of news surrounding Josh Giddey and are waiting for facts to be confirmed,” the spokesperson said.
“We are in contact with Josh’s management team and waiting on further detail at this point.”
Giddey has stayed in the lineup despite the firestorm and will continue to do so, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault told reporters.
“Personal matter, and I have no comment on it,” he said on Friday. “And that will be my answer to anything related.”
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