Teenage girl’s lawyer reveals why police dropped Josh Giddey case

The high-profile lawyer representing the teenager who allegedly had a relationship with Josh Giddey has spoken out for the first time, revealing why the case was dropped.

EXCLUSIVE

The Californian high school student who allegedly had a relationship with Australian basketball star Josh Giddey refused to be interviewed by detectives in order to protect her privacy, her high-powered lawyer has revealed.

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard was cleared on Wednesday (local time) by the Newport Beach Police Department, a month and a half after an investigation was launched into explosive allegations that Giddey had engaged in an underage relationship with the girl.

Her parents hired Gloria Allred – America’s most famous women’s rights lawyer who has represented clients in cases involving Bill Cosby, R. Kelly and OJ Simpson – after photos and videos of their daughter with Giddey were widely shared on social media.

Josh Giddey has been cleared by detectives who investigated his alleged underage relationship with a high school student. Picture: Supplied

Ms Allred, commenting publicly on the case for the first time, revealed that the family had declined to co-operate with detectives.

“It does not surprise me that law enforcement would close their investigation since our client is a minor and her parents have chosen not to speak to law enforcement to protect their privacy,” she said.

Giddey has continued to play during the saga. Picture: Rocky Widner/Getty Images

The Newport Beach Police Department earlier confirmed it would not press charges against Giddey, 21, after what a spokesman said was a “thorough and exhaustive examination”.

“Our detectives have reviewed all of the available information and were unable to corroborate any criminal activity related to Mr Giddey,” the spokesman said.

It was revealed last month that their probe was initially sparked by the photos and videos circulating on social media, rather than any specific complaint to detectives.

Josh Giddey will avoid criminal charges.

The NBA also launched its own investigation, although league commissioner Adam Silver later said their inquiry would take “a back seat” after police became involved in the matter.

On Wednesday (local time), NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the league was “continuing our review”.

Giddey has continued to play for Oklahoma City throughout the saga, copping fierce boos from rival fans during away games.

He is set to take the court on Thursday (local time) on the road against the Utah Jazz, where he is likely to face questions about the allegations against him, having previously refused to comment.

The NBA star – who is also a key player for Australia’s national team – was 19 at the time of the alleged encounter and believed the girl was the same age. He then learned that she was still a 15-year-old high school student and ended the relationship.

Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing by police, Giddey has lost his lucrative contract as an ambassador for iconic Australian breakfast cereal Weet-Bix.