Newport Beach PD investigating NBA's Josh Giddey over alleged relationship with a minor
Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 20, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey is under investigation by the Newport Beach Police Department over allegations he had an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl, TMZ reports.
First reported by TMZ and later confirmed by the department themselves, investigators are looking for more information surrounding the social media allegations against 21-year-old Giddey. Newport PD is looking to see if the internet claims are valid and if the NBA player broke any laws.
The league is said to also be looking into those allegations. Last week, photos surfaced of what appeared to be Giddey hugging a girl from behind, and another one with a caption that read "just f---ed josh giddey."
The girl in question is reportedly 15 years old.
Giddey declined to comment at practice on Friday.
"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 said.
Head coach Mike Daigneault echoed Giddey's comments, saying it was a "personal matter" and that he will "have no comment on it."
Giddey's status for the Thunder's game on Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers remains unknown. It's a home game for OKC.
The age of consent in California is 18, while in Oklahoma it is 16.
Giddey is in his third NBA season, averaging 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He was the sixth overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft.
Giddey put up 10 points, six boards and five assists against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, shortly before the photos surfaced.
Below is a statement released by Newport Beach PD:
"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 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. Anyone who may be able to provide additional information on this case is encouraged to contact Detective C. Carter at 949-644-3783 or cecarter@nbpd.org.
Any further updates or information regarding this investigation will be available on X (formerly known as Twitter)."
FOX News contributed to this report.