The NBA has officially closed its investigation into Oklahoma City Thunder player Josh Giddey concerning allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor. This decision comes after the Newport Beach (Calif.) Police Department determined there were no grounds for criminal charges, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The investigation was initially triggered by serious allegations circulating on social media. An anonymous user claimed that a girl seen with Giddey in various videos and photographs was a high school junior at the time the images were taken. These allegations prompted a significant response, leading to a formal inquiry by both law enforcement and the NBA. However, the social media account that initially posted the images has since been deactivated, adding to the complexity of verifying the claims.
Throughout the investigation, Josh Giddey maintained his presence with the Thunder, contributing to their successful season. The team secured the top spot in the Western Conference and advanced to the conference semifinals, where they were ultimately defeated by the Dallas Mavericks. Despite the controversy, Giddey refrained from commenting on the matter publicly. During a press conference at the height of the investigation, he stated, “I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now. I get the question guys, I completely understand you guys want to know about it. Just for right now, I don’t have anything to say.”
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault also addressed the situation, emphasizing the limited information available and the ongoing nature of the investigation at the time. “Still, I have no comment on anything else. Just with the information that we have at this point, that’s the decision that we’ve made. It’s really not even a decision, to be honest with you,” Daigneault remarked, underscoring the team’s position of awaiting the league’s findings. “It’s obviously a league matter at this point, the ball’s in their court on that.”
The NBA’s closure of the investigation marks the end of a tumultuous chapter for Giddey. With no evidence supporting the allegations, the focus will likely shift back to his performance on the court. Giddey’s resilience during the season, despite the external pressures, demonstrated his professionalism and commitment to his team.
As the NBA and the Thunder move forward, this resolution allows Josh Giddey and the organization to refocus on their goals for the upcoming season. The case serves as a reminder of the impact of social media allegations and the importance of thorough investigations in maintaining the integrity of the sport.