Australian basketball player Brian Goorjian explains why NBA star Josh Giddey's abuse over his alleged underage relationship is the worst thing he's heard in his 50 years in the sport
- Boomers coach surprised at the abuse Josh Giddey received
- NBA star, 21, was accused of an alleged underage relationship
- Oklahoma City Thunder star has yet to publicly comment on the matter
- Point guard will be a key figure for Australia at the Paris Olympics
Australian basketball identity Brian Goorjian has labeled the abuse against NBA star Josh Giddey over his alleged underage relationship as the worst he has seen in his 50 years in the sport.
Giddey, 21, was formally cleared by Newport Beach police this week, six weeks after an investigation into the case was initially launched.
Now it can also be revealed that the California high school student who reportedly dated Giddey when she was 15 declined to be interviewed by investigators to protect her privacy.
Speaking on Channel Nine's Today program from Dubai on Friday, Goorjian – the Boomers coach – said he hopes the Oklahoma City Thunder star can 'move forward' and is confident he will do so.come out the other side.”
'He is a special boy, the wYes, he arranged it all… I was incredibly impressed,” said the six-time NBL championship-winning coach.
Australian basketball identity Brian Goorjian has labeled the abuse against NBA star Josh Giddey as the worst he has seen and heard in his more than 50 years in the sport.
Giddey, 21, was cleared by Newport Beach police this week, six weeks after an investigation into the case was initially launched
Now it can also be revealed that the girl (pictured right) who was allegedly in a relationship with Giddey refused to be interviewed by detectives to protect her privacy.
'To make 17,000 people scream [at him] every time he touched the ball and called the cat… it was disturbing.
“But he stood there with a straight face, and I've never been part of anything like that before.
“Now Josh has an opportunity to just play basketball and move forward.”
Goorjian also confirmed that the point guard will be an “integral” part of the Boomers team ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Newport Beach police have since released a statement closing the case because police found no corroborating evidence.
“After a thorough and exhaustive investigation, we have fully concluded our investigation into the information circulating on social media about Josh Giddey.
“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 that accurate information is disseminated to the public while safeguarding the rights of all involved.”
Goorjian also confirmed that the point guard will be an “integral” part of the Boomers team ahead of the Paris Olympics
Giddey was ousted as ambassador for Australian breakfast cereal Weet-Bix, three years after signing a lucrative four-year contract following the allegations
Giddey has continued to play for the Thunder in the NBA throughout the investigation, with the allegations first coming to light last November.
It is understood the incident happened in 2021, with the Thunder security guard believing the girl was 19 at the time when they met at a nightclub.
After discovering she was in fact underage, Giddey allegedly ended the relationship the next day.
Giddey was asked about the allegations when they first emerged during a team training session but refused to open up about the allegations against him.
“Yes, I mean, I understand the question clearly,” Giddey told the reporter at the time. “But there is no further comment at this time.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in December that Giddey would not be suspended purely because of an allegation.
And despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Giddey was stripped of his role as ambassador for Australian breakfast cereal Weet-Bix.