Josh Giddey Will Continue to Play Amid Underage Relationship Allegations, Coach Says
Oklahoma City Thunder player Josh Giddey is under investigation for an alleged inappropriate relationship with an underage girl, raising questions about his future on the court in the short and long term. But don't expect the Australian star to be benched while police look into the matter.
OKC head coach Mark Daigneault spoke to reporters ahead of the team's Nov. 28 game and addressed whether Giddey would be suspended as the investigation continues. "I’m not going to comment on anything as it relates to Josh off the court," he said. When asked if his ability to play would be affected, Daigneault stated plainly, "Josh is playing."
Asked about TMZ’s reports that Newport Beach PD (CA) is looking into Josh Giddey’s recent situation, Mark Daigneault says “I’m not gonna comment on anything as it relates to Josh off the court.”
— Joel Lorenzi (@jxlorenzi) November 28, 2023
Says he’ll play today. pic.twitter.com/O6LF2i25V3
Even though Giddey is still playing as of now, that doesn't mean he's gotten the warmest reception from spectators. At the Nov. 28 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the crowd erupted in boos and jeers every time Giddey held the ball. The team's next game is Thursday, Nov. 30 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 21-year-old spoke on the situation as much as he could during a Nov. 24 practice session. He acknowledged the allegations but admitted he couldn't speak more on the matter.
"I understand the question, obviously," Giddey said. “But there’s no further comment right now."
"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," he added.
Meanwhile, TMZ is reporting that the underage girl in question and her family aren't cooperating with Newport Beach police and their ongoing investigation into the alleged inappropriate relationship. The NBA is also looking into what happened to determine how to proceed.