The police investigation centered on Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Josh Giddey and his possible inappropriate relationship with a minor has hit a “roadblock,” as the girl allegedly involved and her family are not cooperating with authorities, per TMZ Sports.
The situation is being investigated by Newport Beach (Calif.) police to see if allegations that Giddey had a relationship with a minor is true and if any laws were broken. An NBA spokesman said the league is also looking into the matter.
Per TMZ:
“Law enforcement sources tell us police would obviously like to speak with the purported female and those close to her to gather more information regarding the social media claims that made rounds over the weekend … but as of right now, no one is talking.
“It’s a significant component to the whole situation … as a lack of cooperation will make it much more challenging for officials to determine whether any laws were broken.”
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.
Giddey nor Thunder coach Mark Daigneault are commenting on the accusations. A starter, Giddey is continuing to play during the investigation and Daigneault has indicated he will continue to do so.
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