This is the moment Josh Giddey faces the media for the first time since the NBA opened an investigation into allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
The 21-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder rising star practiced with his teammates as usual on Friday before reporting for interviews with reporters.
He was immediately questioned about the allegations against him, with a reporter remarking: “Josh, you’ve gone viral in the last few days for some pretty serious allegations.” I know there’s nothing concrete, but can you comment on this situation say?
In response, the Australian NBA star said: “Yes, I understand the question of course, but um, there is no further comment at the moment.”
A reporter then asked a question about the team’s defense before a third reporter returned to the serious allegations and asked for a further answer.
Josh Giddey spoke to the media Friday for the first time since the allegations surfaced
Giddey was asked about the allegations but deflected questions and declined to comment
Giddey then replied: “I understand the question, guys. I completely understand that you want to know, but I have nothing to say at the moment.”
The team’s head coach, Mark Daigneault, was also asked about his star guard and the unsavory allegations, but he also declined to answer.
“A personal matter that I cannot comment on,” he began, before adding, “And that will be my response to anything related to it.”
Pictures and videos of Giddey with a girl – including one in which she bragged about having sex with him – have been posted on social media in recent days.
NBA spokesman Mike Bass said Friday afternoon: “The NBA is investigating allegations that Josh Giddey of Oklahoma City had an inappropriate relationship with a minor that surfaced through social media.”
In one of the pictures, the girl bragged that she had “just fucked Josh Giddey,” who was topless
Another image shows Giddey with his arm around her body and is captioned, “He says hello.”
The NBA is investigating allegations that Giddey had an inappropriate relationship with a minor
The 21-year-old Giddey was selected by the Thunder with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and has emerged as one of their key players.
In one of the pictures posted online, the girl can be seen bragging about having sex with Giddey.
The picture – which features a shirtless Giddey standing behind her – is captioned: “Just f***ed Josh Giddey.”
Another shows the Australian player with his arm around her body and is captioned: “He says hello.”
There is also a video of Giddey allegedly speaking to the girl’s brother, in which he says: “I’m here with your beautiful sister.”
“Good luck on your season.” I heard you’re heading to Sacramento for a game soon, so good luck. We’ll come over and watch you take care of business.’
In another video, in which she appears to be standing in the background outside a nightclub, Giddey says: “What’s going on, my man?” “We’re at the front of the club, me and my girl, just about to go back to mine. “
The 21-year-old Giddey was selected by the Thunder with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft
Giddey, who was pictured at two NBA games this week, declined to comment on the matter when asked by reporters Friday afternoon
It remains unclear when and where the images and videos were taken and how old the girl actually is.
The age of consent in Oklahoma is 16.
has reached out to the Oklahoma City Thunder for comment.
Giddey and the Thunder will play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon, but it is still unclear whether the Australian will play a role in the game.