The NBA’s investigation into Australian star Josh Giddey is ongoing and one US commentator has urged “idiots” to tone down their commentary until more information is known.
In a since-deleted post, an anonymous social media user said a girl who is seen with Giddey, 21, in videos and photographs was a high school junior at the time. The social media account has since been deactivated and the allegations remain unproven.
Giddey has continued to take his place for the Oklahoma City Thunder amid the probe, and has received support from Boomers coach Brian Goorjian.
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ESPN host Stephen A. Smith also weighed in on the situation, telling those who had chosen to weigh in with their opinion to “shut up” for chiding him over his silence on the issue.
“There comes a time when prudence and responsible dialogue has to take place,” Smith said on his self-titled podcast.
“This man Josh Giddey is currently being investigated by the NBA.
“We don’t know who she was, we don’t know how old she was. We don’t know anything. We know there is an investigation going on.
“That is all we know. We don’t know anything else.
“You know why Stephen A hasn’t said anything? Because you could get sued, idiots.
“You don’t just go out there running your god damn mouth over something this serious.”
Smith’s advice came as Australian basketball great Andrew Bogut gave some words of warning to Giddey.
The age of consent in the US varies from state to state, with the ages ranging from 16-18. There is currently no police investigation into Giddey’s behaviour while cereal company Sanitarium said it’s monitoring the situation over the star’s ambassadorial role.
“You use your social media accounts and go to Josh Giddey and flat out accuse him and state it as a point of fact,” Smith added.
“Make sure you give him your name and address, too, because he could probably sue you.
“You have to wait and see. We don’t have all the information.
“We don’t even have the specific allegations, in terms of its depth.
“If I had a clue, I would have spoken on it, but I don’t know anything and it’s why I haven’t said anything.
“My advice to you all is to shut up and do the same.”