Newport Beach Police Department detectives are investigating an accusation Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey had an improper relationship with an underage girl.
In a since-deleted post, an anonymous social media user last week said a girl who is seen with the 21-year-old Australian in videos and photographs was a high school junior at the time. The social media account has since been deactivated.
Newport Beach Police said in a news release on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT) it was "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 NBA said last week it was investigating. Giddey has declined to comment, and OKC coach Mark Daigneault had nothing to say before Tuesday's In-Season tournament game at Minnesota, which they lost 106-103.
Giddey was targeted throughout the evening by the vociferous Timberwolves fans who jeered the young Boomers star whenever he touched the ball.
The Melburnian enjoyed 28 minutes of court time for 10 points, six rebounds and one assist.
Giddey is averaging 12 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game for an Oklahoma City team that is off to a 11-6 start. He has started both games, which ended in defeats, since the accusations were made.
He was the youngest NBA player to record a triple-double - at 19 years and 84 days - and the first player since Hall of Fame member Oscar Robertson in 1961 to record three consecutive triple-doubles as a rookie.
Giddey was the No.6 overall pick in the 2021 draft and was named to the All-Rookie second team during the 2021-2022 season. Last season, he averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists. At the World Cup this past summer, he averaged a team-high 19.4 points for an Australia team that went 3-2.
The 2021 NBL rookie of the year is a key part in the Boomers' hopes of improving on their historic bronze medal in Tokyo at next year's Paris Olympics.
With AP
