Police investigating claims against Australian NBA star Josh Giddey

US police are “pursuing all leads and evidence” after photos emerged online of an alleged relationship between Josh Giddey and a female minor.

Melbourne NBA star Josh Giddy is being called the next Ben Simmons. Picture: David Caird

Californian detectives are “pursuing all leads and evidence” in their investigation of Australian basketball star Josh Giddey’s alleged relationship with a minor.

The Newport Beach Police Department confirmed on Wednesday (local time) that the Oklahoma City Thunder point guard was the subject of an active investigation after the allegations emerged on social media last week. No charges have been laid.

“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,” a spokesman said in a statement.

Amid reports that the young woman’s family was not co-operating with the police probe, the spokesman said detectives were “actively seeking additional information related to these allegations and pursuing all leads and evidence to obtain the facts of the case”.

Josh Giddey in action against the University of Houston in August. Picture: Getty Images

“The Newport Beach Police Department aims to ensure a fair and thorough investigative process while maintaining the privacy and dignity of everyone involved,” the spokesman said.

Images and videos started circulating last week on social media of Giddey – who is now 21 – with a young woman, which also prompted the NBA to launch an investigation.

The woman’s age is unclear, as is when and where the images were taken, and the exact nature of her connection to the Melbourne-born basketball star. It is understood she attended school in the Newport Beach area.

The age of consent in California is 18.

Giddey, who was drafted by Oklahoma City, has spent time training in California during the NBA off-season.

Giddey is the subject of an active police investigation. No charges have been laid. Picture: David Caird

Court records show he was hit with two traffic violations in Orange County – where Newport Beach is located – last July.

He received one citation for failing to display front and rear vehicle licence plates, and another for failing to possess a transponder to pay for a toll road.

Giddey is continuing to play for the Thunder while under investigation by police and the league.

Prior to the team’s away game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said: “I’m not going to comment on anything as it relates to Josh off the court.”

The Australian was relentlessly booed every time he touched the ball by Minnesota’s fans.

Daigneault had earlier backed his player to continue taking the court, saying it was “not really even a decision” despite the allegations.

“Just with the information that we have at this point, that’s the decision that we’ve made. It’s really not even a decision, to be honest with you,” he said.

Giddey, in his only statement on the allegations, said last week: “I understand the question, obviously, but there is no further comment right now.”

Originally published as Police investigating claims against Australian NBA star Josh Giddey