NBA confirms probe into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Josh Giddey

Josh Giddey has remained tight-lipped as the NBA investigates allegations of inappropriate behaviour with a young woman as social media photos and videos emerge which could threaten his career.

Australian basketball golden boy Josh Giddey faces a career-defining crisis, amid confirmation the NBA is investigating the star guard over allegations involving possible inappropriate behaviour with a female that emerged on social media.

Giddey, who is in the third year of a four year US$27 million deal and a restricted free-agent who could command US$400 million on his next deal, has a cloud hanging over his career after images and videos surfaced on Thursday involving the 21-year-old.

It is unclear when or where the images were taken, the exact age of the female who is with Giddey or the nature of their relationship.

Josh Giddey was asked a follow up about the situation: pic.twitter.com/BqkB7uk3DZ

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 24, 2023

The age of consent in the US varies between states from 16 to 18 years of age.

NBA spokesman Mike Bass confirmed to Code Sports the league was probing the veracity of the allegations involving Giddey.

“We are looking into it,” Bass said.

Police are not believed to be involved at this stage.

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard, at a Saturday media call, was asked about the allegations ahead of Sunday’s home clash against the Philadelphia 76ers.

One of the pictures which has surfaced on social media.

Giddey said he was unable to comment.

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

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

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was also asked about the Giddey situation: “Personal matter and I have no comment on it – and that will be my answer on anything related.”

The incident started on Thursday when pictures and videos were posted to social media featuring Giddey with the young woman.

Another picture which has been shared on social media.

One of the images is of a shirtless Giddey standing behind the young woman.

There are videos which feature Giddey supposedly talking to the young woman’s brother, in which he says: ‘I’m here with your beautiful sister.

‘Good luck for your season. I hear you’re going to Sacramento soon for a game so best of luck. We’re going to come up and watch you take care of business.’

In another video, where she appears to be stood in the background outside a nightclub, Giddey says: ‘What’s up my man? We’re at the front of the club, me and my girl, about to head back to mine.’

The legal age to attend a nightclub in the US is 21.

Giddey shut down all comments on his social media pages when the posts started to go viral on Thursday evening.

Giddey has shut down all comments on his social media. Picture: Kelsey Grant/Getty Images

The speculation levelled at the Melbourne-born guard has shocked Australian basketball - he is widely regarded as the figurehead for the next generation of the Boomers.

The son of Melbourne Tigers legend, Warrick Giddey, has a multi-year shoe and apparel endorsement contract with Nike.

He is also an ambassador for Australian breakfast cereal Weet-Bix and has appeared in television commercials for the company.

Giddey is known for his high fashion, regularly sporting pieces from designer brands.

A Basketball Australia spokesperson said it had reached out to the Giddey camp and was monitoring the situation.

While the Boomers have already qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, BA has yet to name its official squad for the Games.

Giddey is a key member of Brian Goorjian’s squad and would be one of the first picked to play in Paris but he did not compete at the Tokyo Olympics, therefore the Australian Olympic Committee reserved comment on the situation.

Giddey is a regular starter for the Thunder in the NBA, but it’s unclear if he will play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday from 9am (AEDT).

Giddey’s agent Daniel Moldovan has been contacted for comment

Giddey is not the first NBA player or athlete to be the subject of a social media storm.

In June this year, Memphis guard Ja Morant was suspended for 25 games after a video of the star flashing a handgun was streamed online.

The NBA had suspended Morant for eight games following a similar incident in March, when he was seen on Instagram Live holding up a handgun while intoxicated at a Denver-area club.

Originally published as NBA confirms probe into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Josh Giddey