The Newport Beach (Calif.) Police Department has released a statement on the investigation into Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Josh Giddey, though it didn’t really say much beyond what’s already been reported.
Police are investigating whether Giddey had an inappropriate relationship with a minor and if any laws were broken. The girl allegedly involved is a high school student in Newport Beach.
TMZ reported that the girl and her family have not been cooperating with the investigation, as we relayed here. The NBA is also “looking into” the matter through its own investigation, a league spokesperson said last week.
“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 statement from NBPD said. “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.”
Giddey will continue to play during the investigation, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault has indicated. Daigneault has called the situation a league matter.
The age of consent in Oklahoma, where Giddey lives and plays home games, is 16. That is the age recognized by federal law as well. However, the age of consent in California is 18.
Giddey, 21, is a native of Australia was was selected by the Thunder with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Statement from the Newport Beach police department on the “active investigation” into allegations about an improper relationship between Thunder guard Josh Giddey and a minor girl. Police are “actively seeking additional information.” pic.twitter.com/2HciDAHppT
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 29, 2023
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