Poppy Bilderbeck
Josh Giddey's sponsorship deal could be in jeopardy now the NBA is looking into allegations he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
The 21-year-old Australian who plays basketball for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA) has come under scrutiny after a social media user claimed they had a sexual relationship with him.
Videos and photographs of a girl and Giddey were shared to social media last week.
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One pic showed the basketball player topless, holding his hands in two peace signs, next to a girl. The caption read: "Just f**ked Josh Giddey."
And another showed Giddey seemingly with the same girl, embracing her.
The anonymous Instagram user claimed the girl was a high school junior at the time they were taken, according to ESPN.
The user has since deleted the post and deactivated their account, however, the allegations are being investigated by the NBA and it could pose a risk to Giddey's $40 million sponsorship deal with a well-known brand.
Giddey currently has a deal with Weet-Bix - a breakfast cereal created and manufactured by Australian company Sanitarium Health Food.
However, the NBA's investigation into the allegations Giddey faces could risk the deal being called off.
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass confirmed an investigation into the posts is taking place to the MailOnline: "The NBA is looking into the allegations of Oklahoma City's Josh Giddey having inappropriate relationship with a minor that have emerged via social media."
As per Code Sports, Giddey has already been removed from Weet-Bix's social media accounts, however, a spokesperson for Sanitarium told the outlet the company hasn't officially cut ties with the basketball player.
The spokesperson told Code Sports: "We are obviously aware of news surrounding Josh Giddey and are waiting for facts to be confirmed. We are in contact with Josh’s management team and waiting on further detail at this point."
Giddey has declined to comment on the matter, saying in a Thunder media session on Friday (24 November): "I understand the question obviously but no, there is no further comment right now. I get the questions guys, I completely understand you guys want to know about it, but just for right now I don’t have anything to say."
His Thunder coach, Mark Daigneault, has similarly refused to say anything about the allegations.
UNILAD has contacted Sanitarium Health Food Company for comment.