California lawyer says that underage girl who once slept with NBA star Josh Giddey chose ‘not to speak with law enforcement in order to protect her privacy’

The California high school student who reportedly dated NBA star Josh Giddey declined to speak to investigators to protect her privacy, an Australian tabloid reported.

The 21-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder guard will not face charges after a criminal investigation was concluded Wednesday by Newport Beach police — a month and a half after explosive allegations emerged that Giddey began an inappropriate relationship with the underage girl. on surface.

The girl’s parents hired Gloria Allred – an American lawyer known for taking on high-profile and often controversial cases, especially those involving the protection of women’s rights – after photos and videos of their daughter with Giddey were widely shared on social media in November media. Allred represented the family of OJ Simpson’s murdered ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and worked with clients on cases including Bill Cosby and R. Kelly.

When Ms Allred first commented publicly on the case, she revealed that the girl’s family had refused to be interviewed by detectives.

“I am not surprised that the police want to close their investigation as our client is a minor and her parents have chosen not to speak to the police to protect their privacy,” she said. The Herald Sunbased in Melbourne.

Giddey went viral with photos alongside the alleged 15-year-old high school student from California

Gloria Allred – a famous American women’s rights lawyer who worked on cases involving Bill Crosby, R. Kelly and OJ Simpson – represented the girl’s family

Giddey has not yet commented on the matter and the NBA is still conducting its own investigation into the allegations, according to spokesman Michael Bass, who said Wednesday that the league is aware of the findings in the police investigation and is “continuing our review.” on the House.

In a statement released Wednesday, Newport Beach police confirmed they would not be filing charges against Giddey. They said investigators were “unable to substantiate any criminal activity” based on the allegations after a “thorough and exhaustive investigation,” a spokesperson said.

In a now-deleted post, an anonymous social media user said in November that a girl seen in videos and photos with the Australian was a high school student at the time.

Giddey turned 21 in October but was 19 at the time of the alleged encounter and believed the girl was the same age. He then learned that she was a 15-year-old high school student before cutting ties

Giddey, then 19, ended the relationship with the girl after learning she was 15 years old

Giddey was ousted as ambassador for Australian breakfast cereal Weet-Bix, three years after signing a lucrative four-year deal worth $40 million

What’s more is that Giddey has played during the trials, while at home he was largely cheered and jeered during road games. He is averaging 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game for an Oklahoma City team that is off to a 27-13 start, second-best in the Western Conference.

Giddey was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 draft and was named to the All-Rookie second team during the 2021-2022 season. Last season he averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists. At the World Cup last summer, he averaged 19.4 points for the Australian team, which won 3-2.

Despite being cleared of any criminal activity, Giddey was dropped, according to Australian breakfast cereal Weet-Bix The Herald Sun.

He had signed a lucrative four-year, $40 million deal with the brand to serve as its ambassador in 2021.