Newport Beach Police open investigation into Josh Giddey allegations

The allegations levelled against Australian NBA player Josh Giddey have gone a step further after police in California stepped in.

Police in California open Josh Giddey investigation

Police in Newport Beach, California, have opened an investigation into the allegations levelled against Australian NBA player Josh Giddey.

The allegations of the 21-year-old having an inappropriate relationship with a minor first arose via an anonymous social media post last Thursday, that has since been deleted.

On Thursday morning (AEDT) Newport Beach Police Department issued a statement confirming it is looking into the allegations.

“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 read.

“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.”

The investigation has reportedly hit a major hurdle however as police work to gather further information.

Giddey has not been charged with any offence.

Giddey arriving ahead of Wednesday’s game. (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)

Police have launched an investigation into the allegations.

The NBA confirmed to news.com.au they were “looking into” the matter on Saturday, days after Giddey had been trending on social media.

The incident started when pictures and videos were posted to social media featuring Giddey with a young woman. One of the images is of a shirtless Giddey standing behind the woman.

The Aussie was asked about the allegations following a team practice session on Saturday, but refused to provide any further information.

“I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now,” Giddey said.

Asked about the matter again, Giddey said: “I get the question guys. I completely understand you guys wanna know about it. But just for right now, I don’t have anything to say.”

He received his first hostile reaction from an opposition crowd during Wednesday’s clash with the Timberwolves in Minnesota.

The Aussie finished the contest with 10 points, six rebounds and one assist as his on-court impact continues to diminish following a stellar first two seasons in the league.

Through the opening 17 games of the 2023/24 season he’s averaging career-lows in points (12), rebounds (5.8) and assists (4.5).

While his three point shooting percentage is marginally up on his rookie season, his two-point percentage is the lowest it’s been through three seasons at 45.7 per cent.

One of the images of Giddey that went viral on social media.

The ongoing investigation has seen Weet-Bix remove all traces of Giddey from their social media channels.

The six-foot-eight point guard currently has an ambassador deal to promote the iconic breakfast cereal but can no longer be found on social media accounts promoting the product.

Sanitarium moved to explain why images of the Aussie star were removed from all posts on Monday night.

“We know how hard negative social media comments can be for anyone, especially for young athletes,” the statement provided to Code Sports read.

“We removed promotional assets featuring Josh Giddey from our own channels out of a desire to minimise opportunities for negative commentary towards Josh while the NBA is looking into the current situation.

“It was not a precursor to any decisions on Josh’s contract as a Weet-Bix ambassador. We are still in contact with Josh’s management team and awaiting on the facts surrounding this matter.”

Giddey in action for the Thunder. (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Giddey, born and raised in Melbourne, burst onto the scene as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program which put him on the radar of NBA scouts.

In April 2021 he became the youngest Australian in NBL history to record a triple-double while playing with the Adelaide 36ers.

His career exploded after he was taken with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The first round draft selection saw him put pen to paper on a a four-year deal worth $41m.

Proving his feats in the NBL were no fluke, Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double on January 2, 2022 when he was just over 19 years old.

His first year in the league saw him claim the Western Conference rookie of the month four times before he succumbed to injury in the later stages of the season.

Giddey missed out on selection for the Australian Boomers squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, being selected as one of three emergency players.

He represented Australia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup where he finished the tournament with averages of 19.4 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.