- Thunder star, 21, accused of inappropriate relationship
- California police declined to press charges
- Giddey was never suspended for allegations
The NBA has completed its investigation into Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Josh Giddey for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a minor. ESPN has reported.
Police in Newport Beach, California, announced in January that they would not file charges, saying they were “unable to corroborate any criminal activity related to Mr. Giddey.”
Now the NBA, having conducted its own investigation, has also decided the same, according to Thursday’s report.
The 21-year-old, who is heading to the Paris Olympics with the Australian Boomers national team, was not suspended during the police investigation.
The NBA’s investigation into allegations against Giddey was reportedly dropped four months after California police decided not to file charges against him.
The Thunder star (pictured playing against Dallas earlier this month) allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a minor he met at a nightclub in 2021.
Giddey has not commented on the allegations and has continued to play for the Thunder during their run to the Western Conference semifinals.
Newport police closed the case after failing to find corroborating evidence.
“After a thorough and thorough examination, we have completely closed our investigation into information circulating on social media involving Josh Giddey,” they said in a statement.
‘Our detectives have reviewed all available information and were unable to corroborate any criminal activity related to Mr. Giddey. The Newport Beach Police Department is committed to ensuring accurate information is disseminated to the public while ensuring the rights of all involved.
Last December, it was reported that the teenager at the center of the claims was refusing to co-operate with police as they investigated the case.
Photos and videos appeared on social media showing Giddey with the underage girl, but according to reports in her native Australia, the incident occurred more than two years ago.
Giddey was booed and jeered by the crowd at the height of the scandal.
The Thunder guard believed the teenager was 19 years old when they met at a nightclub in 2021.
Giddey struggled to contain his emotions as he discussed his scandal-plagued season after Dallas eliminated the Thunder from the playoffs on May 18.
The Australian was booed and jeered in matches following the unfounded accusations and his form declined before making a resurgence at the end of the season.
Giddey was emotional and held back tears as he talked about the mental toll this season has taken on him.
“This was probably the biggest challenge I’ve ever been through for a number of reasons, obviously,” Giddey said.
“I think (coping) mentally is the most overlooked part for any player. It’s very easy for people to see what happens on the court but not see what happens behind the scenes and there is so much more to a person.” than basketball.
The Australian had problems being part of Oklahoma’s starting team due to the good form of his teammates, adding to a season that left him very emotional after the Thunder’s elimination in the playoffs.
‘That’s for anyone, not just me. You have a couple of bad games, you start to lose your mind and maybe lose confidence, whatever the case may be.
“But for me, I’ve tried to stay within the team as much as I can this year and that’s been what’s worked best for me.” When you show up every day, you integrate into the team and you stay within the group and that’s what encourages the guys and what gets you back on the right path.
‘I’m very lucky to have good people around me. They really care and are really there for you and there have definitely been days and periods this year that have been difficult.
‘It’s not a secret. But I tried to come in every day and be the best I could and be the best teammate I could.”
She also bravely admitted that there were “days when she didn’t feel like getting out of bed.”