NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A Newport Beach Police Department investigation of an NBA star suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl has been closed without charges being filed.
Investigators were unable to corroborate any criminal activity on the part of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey, the police department announced.
“After a thorough and exhaustive examination, we have completed our investigation into information that was circulating on social media involving Josh Giddey. Our detectives havereviewed all of the available information and were unable to corroborate any criminal activityrelated to Mr. Giddey,” Newport Beach Police Department investigators announced in a written statement. “The Newport Beach Police Department is committed to ensuring that accurate information is disseminated to the public, while also ensuring the rights of all those involved.”
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The 21-year-old basketball player was accused anonymously on social media of having an inappropriate relationship with a California-based juvenile, TMZ reported, adding the age of consent is 18 in California and 16 in Oklahoma.
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The now-deleted social media post said the girl, who was captured in photos and videos with Giddey, was a junior in high school at the time of the relationship, according to ESPN.
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Giddey, 21, declined to comment on the situation when questioned about the situation during a practice at the end of November.
“Yeah, I mean, I understand the question, obviously, but there’s no further comment right now,” he told reporters.
TMZ reported that the female seen with Giddey in the photos was refusing to cooperate with police, as was her family.
City News Service and Patch Staffer Anna Schier contributed to this report.
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