The NBA has launched an investigation into Josh Giddey after he was accused of having a sexual relationship with an underage girl.
Giddey, 21, who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder has been the subject of intense accusations after images and videos circulated on social media, allegedly posted by an underage girl who boasted about having a sexual relationship with the basketball player.
One of the images appeared to show Giddey posing topless with the girl, who claims that she "just f***ed Josh Giddey" in the accompanying caption.
A second image appears to show the pair posing together as Giddey has his arms around the girl with the caption reading: "he says hey."
According to the Daily Mail, there is also a video that appears to show the basketball player speaking to the girl's brother where he allegedly states: "I'm here with your beautiful sister."
During another video, Giddey appears to be standing outside of a nightclub where he says: "What's up my man? We're at the front of the club, me and my girl, about to head back to mine."
The exact time and destination of the videos are unknown, and it also remains unclear how old the female in the images actually is.
The NBA has launched an investigation into the relationship, with NBA spokesman Mike Bass saying: "The NBA is looking into the allegations of Oklahoma City's Josh Giddey having an inappropriate relationship with a minor that have emerged via social media."
During a practice session on Friday, Giddey was questioned about the accusations to which he replied: "I understand the question obviously, but there's no further comment right now."
When pressed further, he said: "I get the question guys, I completely understand you guys want to know about it but just for right now, I don't have anything to say."
Head coach of Oklahoma Thunder, Mark Daigneault, also refused to comment on the allegations, stating: "Personal matter and I have no comment on it. And that'll be my answer on anything related."
Giddey, a Melbourne native and the sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft is averaging 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in his third NBA season.
More details about the allegations will emerge as the NBA progresses through its investigation.
