The NBA says it is investigating an accusation that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey had an improper relationship with an underage girl.
In a since-deleted post, an anonymous social media user said a girl who is seen with Giddey in videos and photographs was a high school junior at the time. The social media account has since been deactivated.
Giddey is an Australian who turned 21 in October.
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.— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 24, 2023
The Athletic, citing NBA spokesman Mike Bass, said the league was investigating the allegations that surfaced on social media earlier this week.
“We’re looking into it,” Michael Bass, an NBA spokesman, said Friday.
Giddey had no comment when questioned Friday at practice.
“Yeah, I mean, I understand the question, obviously. But there’s no further comment right now,” said the 21-year-old from Australia, who was the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
When asked again, he said: “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.”
Josh Giddey was asked about the allegations that went viral on social media the past few days. pic.twitter.com/yVr5gOku0x— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 24, 2023
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said it was a personal matter and he had no comment.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault also declined to discuss the matter.
“Personal matter, and I have no comment on it,” Daigneault told reporters. “And that’ll be my comment on anything related.”
Giddey is averaging 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game for the Thunder, who boast an 11-4 record and host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
A first-round pick in 2021, Giddey was named to the All-Rookie second team that season. Last season, he averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists. At the World Cup this summer, he averaged a team-high 19.4 points for an Australia team that went 3-2.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - Associated Press)