Oklahoma City Thunder player Josh Giddey is now the subject of a police inquiry as law enforcement officials from Newport Beach PD are investigating allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
The probe was initiated following troubling accusations made on social media, where anonymous accounts claimed that the 21-year-old Australian athlete engaged in an intimate relationship with an underage girl based in California. The content, comprising pictures and videos purportedly featuring Giddey with the alleged minor, circulated widely online, prompting law enforcement to examine the veracity of these claims and assess whether any laws were violated.
The NBA had previously announced its own investigation into the matter, but Giddey has not commented on the allegations. The player, who has continued his active participation with the Thunder, may potentially face legal consequences as the age of consent in California is 18, while it is 16 in Oklahoma. The dual investigations, both by the NBA and law enforcement, underscore the gravity of the situation for Giddey, who could face both criminal charges and professional repercussions.
As of now, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has confirmed that Giddey will be available for the upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, emphasizing the team’s commitment to focusing on basketball matters while the investigations unfold. Giddey, a key player for the Thunder, is currently averaging 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the 2023-2024 NBA season.
Andrew Bogut Says OKC Knew About Josh Giddey’s Situation
Former NBA player Andrew Bogut has provided insights into the situation involving Josh Giddey, claiming that the alleged girlfriend lied about her age and suggesting that the Oklahoma City Thunder were aware of the relationship but had no concerns.
Bogut shared his perspective on the Rogue Bogues podcast, emphasizing that if Giddey knowingly pursued a relationship with an underage girl, it would be “absolutely despicable behavior.” However, Bogut suggested that the girl in question had misrepresented her age, complicating the situation.
Andrew Bogut on the Josh Giddey allegations. He reports that the girl involved "lied" about her age. Says the Thunder have been aware of the situation for "the last year."
(Via The Basketball Podcast – Episode 119) pic.twitter.com/uZq7qTKI8i
— DJ Zullo (@DJAceNBA) November 28, 2023
Bogut revealed that the Thunder had been aware of the relationship for over a year and had determined that Giddey was free to play, expressing surprise that the NBA had not imposed any restrictions given their usual response to such situations.
While acknowledging that he is not a legal expert, Bogut indicated that the girl and her family reportedly do not plan to press charges against Giddey due to her misrepresentation of her age. Despite the ongoing NBA and police investigations, Giddey continues to play for the Thunder, and head coach Mark Daigneault has affirmed that it’s business as usual for the team.
Josh Giddey Could Lose $40 Million
The allegations surrounding Josh Giddey and a potentially inappropriate relationship with a minor are not only impacting his professional career on the court but also posing a significant financial threat. The NBA’s investigation has put Giddey’s $40 million sponsorship deal with Weet-Bix, an Australian cereal brand, at risk.
The rising NBA star, who had been featured on Weet-Bix cereal boxes and promotional materials, is reportedly removed from the company’s social media accounts as the situation unfolds.
While the Sanitarium Health Food Company, owner of Weet-Bix, has not officially terminated its ties with Giddey, the ongoing investigation and the nature of the allegations create uncertainty for the lucrative sponsorship deal. Other athlete ambassadors for Weet-Bix remain featured on the brand’s social media accounts.
The potential loss of the Weet-Bix sponsorship adds to the complexity of Giddey’s off-court challenges, along with the NBA’s scrutiny of the allegations. Despite his continued participation in games for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Giddey’s financial and sponsorship future is in jeopardy as the investigation unfolds.
Additionally, Giddey’s association with the Australian apparel brand Cotton On, where he serves as a brand ambassador, is currently unaffected, with no immediate response from Cotton On to the recent developments.
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