Josh Giddey’s agent Daniel Moldovan, has reportedly been sacked by a prominent US management company over a social media post.
As the 21-year-old Australian awaits the findings of an NBA and police probe into allegations of having a relationship with an underage girl, Moldovan, who also manages fellow Aussie Dyson Daniels, Boomers star Aron Baynes as well as Sacramento Kings’ Davion Mitchell, was reportedly let go by Octagon, over a social media post.
The Athletic reports Moldovan was sacked after posting comments on a Black Lives Matter Instagram post, which pledged support to Palestine.
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Reports claim the post shared an image of a paraglider with a Palestinian flag and a caption reading: “I stand with Palestine.”
Moldovan, who is Jewish, reportedly replied to the post, which has since been deleted, on Instagram, writing: “72 hours after terrorists’ paraglided into a music festival and slaughtered 260 young people. This is how BLM chose to symbolise where their support lies. F— BLM and anyone who supports them.”
Moldovan will remain Giddey’s manager despite the separation from Octagon, News Corp reports.
Meantime, police in California are investigating the social media allegations surrounding the 21-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder guard.
“The Newport Beach Police Department is aware of information being circulated online involving an alleged relationship between professional basketball player Josh Giddey and a female minor. The Newport Beach Police Department is actively seeking additional information related to these allegations and pursuing all leads and evidence to obtain the facts of the case,” the police department said in a statement Wednesday.
“The Newport Beach Police Department aims to ensure a fair and thorough investigative process while maintaining the privacy and dignity of everyone involved,” it said. “At this time, NBPD Detectives are still conducting an active investigation.”
According to TMZ, police are keen to speak with the girl in question, but it’s claimed neither the girl nor those around her are talking to officials as they try to gather more information.
When asked last week about social media posts suggesting a relationship, Giddey said: “I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now. … I understand you guys want to know about it but just right now, I don’t have anything to say.”
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault also declined to comment, calling it a “personal matter.” He declined again earlier this week to comment on Giddey’s situation.
“I’m not going to comment on anything that relates to Josh off the court,” he said.
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass told CNN on Wednesday: “We are aware of the report regarding the Newport Beach Police Department’s inquiry. We are continuing to gather information.”
Giddey is in his third NBA season and averages 12.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.