The Newport Beach Police Department has announced that they will not be pursuing charges against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey following an investigation into allegations of an improper relationship with an underage girl. In a statement released on Wednesday night, the department stated that after a thorough examination, they were unable to corroborate any criminal activity related to Mr. Giddey.
The allegations were initially brought to light on social media in late November when an anonymous user claimed that a girl seen in videos and photographs with Giddey was a high school junior at the time. The social media account responsible for the allegations has since been deactivated.
The Newport Beach police opened an investigation shortly after the allegations surfaced, expressing their commitment to seeking additional information and pursuing all leads and evidence related to the case.
The NBA has also been looking into the allegations and, according to spokesman Michael Bass, is aware of the findings from the police inquiry. The league is continuing its own review of the matter.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver previously stated that the league’s investigation would “take a back seat” to the Newport Beach police’s process. He emphasized the importance of working with law enforcement and gathering information from them. The NBA will support the investigation and act in accordance with their findings.
Throughout the investigation process, Josh Giddey has chosen not to comment on the allegations made against him. Despite the allegations, Giddey has continued to perform on the court, averaging 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Since the allegations emerged, Giddey has faced backlash from fans during road games, receiving boos from the crowd. The seriousness of the accusations against him has undoubtedly affected his public image.
The outcome of the investigation may elicit mixed responses. While some may argue that the lack of evidence suggests innocence, others may question the thoroughness of the investigation or wonder if there were external factors at play. Regardless, it is crucial to remember that everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the need to rely on thorough investigations to determine the truth. It highlights the complexities of handling cases involving athletes and the role of both law enforcement and sports organizations in ensuring justice is served.
As the investigation concludes without charges being filed, it remains to be seen how Giddey’s career and public perception will be affected in the long run. For now, the NBA’s continued review of the matter and Giddey’s decision to remain silent keep the situation unresolved.
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