The NBA makes a huge decision about its investigation into accusations Josh Giddey had sex with a minor

The NBA has ended its investigation into Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey for an alleged inappropriate relationship with an underage girl. ESPN has reported.

Police in Newport Beach, California, announced in January that they would not file charges because they were “unable to confirm any criminal activity related to Mr. Giddey.”

Now the NBA, after conducting its own investigation, has decided the same, according to Thursday’s report.

The 21-year-old, who is heading to the Olympic Games in Paris with the Australian national team Boomers, was not suspended during the police investigation.

The Thunder star (pictured playing against Dallas earlier this month) is alleged to have had an inappropriate relationship with a minor he met at a nightclub in 2021

Giddey has not commented on the allegations and has continued to play for the Thunder during their run to the Western Conference semifinals.

Newport police closed the case when they could find no supporting evidence.

“After a thorough and exhaustive investigation, we have fully concluded our investigation into the information circulating on social media about Josh Giddey,” they said in a statement.

“Our detectives reviewed all available information and were unable to confirm any criminal activity relating to Mr Giddey. The Newport Beach Police Department is committed to ensuring accurate information is disseminated to the public while safeguarding the rights of all involved.”

Last December it was reported that the teenage girl at the center of the claims refused to cooperate with police while they investigated the case.

Photos and videos appeared on social media showing Giddey with the underage girl, but reports in his native Australia say the incident happened more than two years ago.

Giddey was booed and booed by the crowd at the height of the scandal

The Thunder guard believed the teen was 19 when they met at a nightclub in 2021.

Giddey struggled to keep his emotions in check as he discussed his scandal-plagued season after the Thunder were eliminated from the playoffs by Dallas on May 18.

The Aussie was booed and booed during matches in the wake of the baseless accusations, and his form dipped before enjoying a surge at the end of the season.

Giddey was emotional and fighting back tears as he discussed the mental toll this season has taken on him.

“This was probably the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced, for a number of reasons obviously,” said Giddey.

“I think (mentally dealing with) is the part that is most overlooked by every player. It’s so easy for people to see what’s happening on the floor but not see what’s happening behind the scenes, and there’s so much more to a person than just basketball.

The Australian struggled to make Oklahoma’s starting team due to the strong form of his teammates, contributing to a season that left him very emotional after Thunder’s play-off exit.

‘That applies to everyone, not just me. You have a few bad matches, you start to get in your own head, maybe you lose confidence – whatever the case may be.

“But for me this year I’ve just tried to stay within the team as much as possible and that’s been the thing for me that I found worked the best. When you come in every day, you join the team and you stay within the group. That’s what cheers the boys up and that’s what gets you back on track.

‘I’m really lucky that I have good people around me. They really care and are really there for you and there have definitely been days and periods this year that have been tough.

‘It’s no secret. But I just tried to show up every day and be the best I could and be the best teammate I could.”

He also bravely admitted that there were “days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed.”