Police investigation into Josh Giddey allegations reportedly hits hurdle

The investigation into allegations against Josh Giddey have hit a reported hurdle as California police attempt to gather further information.

Police investigation into Josh Giddey allegations has hit a reported hurdle.

The police investigation into allegations levelled against Australian basketball player Josh Giddey has reportedly hit a major hurdle.

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

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

The investigation into the matter however has reportedly hit a hurdle with the “alleged minor and her family refusing to co-operate with officials”.

TMZ Sports is reporting law enforcement officials have tried to gather further information relating to social media claims surrounding Giddey, but at the moment “no one is talking”.

Giddey has not been charged with any offence.

The NBA has also confirmed to news.com.au they are “looking into” the matter.

Police in California open Josh Giddey investigation

Allegations against Giddey first emerged 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.”

Giddey in action for the Thunder on Wednesday. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

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.”

Josh Giddey Weet Bix promo. Picture: Facebook

Josh Giddey investigation has hit a reported hurdle.

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 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.

Originally published as Police investigation into Josh Giddey allegations reportedly hits hurdle