Josh Giddey investigation: Thunder guard won’t face charges over alleged underage relationship

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey has been at the center of an ongoing investigation by both the NBA and the Newport Beach Police Department, stemming from an alleged relationship with a minor. 

The allegations against Giddey first came to light in November last year on X (formerly Twitter), with images and pictures of Giddey going viral.

Despite the allegations, Giddey continued to play for the Thunder and with the investigation now concluded, here’s the latest news on Giddey’s situation.

Josh Giddey won’t face chargesAccording to TMZ Sports, the Newport Beach PD has officially closed its investigation into Giddey, with the 21-year-old not facing any criminal charges.

Per TMZ, the “minor and her family were unwilling to cooperate with investigators, which was a major roadblock in the process.”

Newport Beach Police says it was unable to corroborate any criminal activity involving Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey https://t.co/TbXi8JMLPD

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 18, 2024In December, it was reported that the girl at the center of the investigation refused to cooperate with police, with officials unable to find any corroborating evidence. 

GIDDEY CLEARED: I just got off the phone with Newport Beach Police. They tell me the case pertaining to Thunder’s Josh Giddey is closed. No charges will be filed.

They say they found no information that corroborated criminal activity related to Giddey.

— Abigail Ogle📝 (@KOCOAbigail) January 17, 2024The family of the minor involved in the allegations also reportedly hired attorney Gloria Allred in December. Allred is well known for taking on cases centered around women’s rights.

Josh Giddey social media allegationsOn Nov. 22, posts went viral on X alleging that Giddey had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

When asked about the allegations following Thunder practice on Nov. 24, Giddey declined to comment, saying “I understand the question, obviously, but there’s no further comment right now.”

Josh Giddey was asked about the allegations that went viral on social media the past few days. pic.twitter.com/yVr5gOku0x

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 24, 2023Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault did not comment either, saying that it’s a “personal matter and I have no comment on it. That will be my answer to anything related.”

Later on Nov. 24, both The Athletic’s Shams Charania and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the NBA is looking into allegations of Giddey’s involvement in an improper relationship.

NBA investigation into Josh GiddeyThe NBA began an investigation into the allegations against Giddey, however once the Newport Beach Police Department became involved, the league took a step back.

Per ESPN, the police attempted to determine whether Giddey had committed a crime in their jurisdiction. 

“We have information and we’re looking into it,” Newport Beach Sgt. Steve Oberon said. “We’re investigating whether or not a crime occurred.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 29 the Newport Beach Police Department issued a statement, saying that it “is aware of information being circulated online involving an alleged relationship between professional basketball player Josh Giddey and a female minor.”

During an appearance on ESPN’s “The Jump” on Friday, Dec. 8, Commissioner Adam Silver was asked about Giddey’s status and why the league has not taken action.

“I can’t think of many circumstances where we’ve suspended a player based on an allegation alone. And in this case, we have an allegation and you have a police investigation and a parallel league investigation,” Silver said.

“I’d also add that where there is a criminal investigation, we take a backseat. And so, you have an allegation, you have an ongoing criminal investigation — that impacts how the players and the players’ association works with us because, of course, the player needs to protect his rights. I’m not going to say ‘never ever’ but I think this is the path we’ve consistently followed.”