Thunder’s Josh Giddey Will Not Be Charged For Relationship With Minor

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey will not face charges after being accused of being in a relationship with a minor. The allegations went viral on social media late last year but the Newport Beach Police Department in Orange County, California, failed to find evidence of criminal activity.

“After a thorough and exhaustive examination, we have completed our investigation into information that was circulating on social media involving Josh Giddey,” the police said in a statement. “Our detectives have reviewed all of the available information and were unable to corroborate any criminal activity related to Mr. Giddey. The Newport Beach Police Department is committed to ensuring that accurate information is disseminated to the public, while also ensuring the rights of all those involved.”

Giddey was first accused on social media last November when a user made several posts claiming that a series of photos and videos depicted Giddey with a girl in her junior year of high school. The NBA launched an investigation soon after, but Commissioner Adam Silver eventually deferred to Newport Beach police after detectives began looking into the case.

The 21-year-old guard from Australia declined to comment on the allegations when the story first broke in November and has not addressed the situation since. It is unclear what detectives uncovered in their investigation, but their findings did not prove that Giddey engaged in criminal behavior with a minor. Giddey has not missed any time on the floor as a result of the league’s investigation.

Giddey is in his second season with the Thunder after getting drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2021. In his rookie year, he became the youngest player in NBA history to earn a triple-double. He is scoring 16.6 points per game in the 2023-24 season in an expanded role as the Thunder look to earn a postseason berth.

Article by Patrick Moquin