Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey may lose a $40 million sponsorship as a result of claims that he had an inappropriate contact with an underage girl.
According to Code Sports, the Australian athlete, 21, may lose his $40 million endorsement deal with cereal brand Weet-Bix and its parent firm, the Sanitarium Health Food firm. All references to and images of Giddey have been removed from the company’s social media posts, and a spokesman has stated that the company is aware of the matter.
“We are obviously aware of news surrounding Josh Giddey and are waiting for facts to be confirmed,” stated a spokeswoman for the company. “We are in contact with Josh’s management team and waiting on further detail at this point.”As part of the partnership agreement, Giddey has appeared on Weet-Bix cereal boxes and other promotional materials. Other athletes with Weet-Bix contracts include Alex de Minaur, Ellyse Perry, Marnus Labuschagne, and Tim Cahill, who are all still featured on the company’s social media.
The NBA announced last week that it has initiated an investigation into the claims of Giddey’s involvement with an underage female. “The NBA is looking into the allegations of Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey having an inappropriate relationship with a minor that have emerged via social media, league spokesman Mike Bass said,” Shams Charania, editor-in-chief of The Athletic, reported
Giddey refused to comment on the claims during the Oklahoma City Thunder’s media availability on Friday, Nov. 24. “I understand the question, obviously, but there’s no further comment right now,” Giddey told reporters. “I get the question, guys, I completely understand you guys want to know about it but just for right now, I don’t have anything to say.” “Personal matter, and I have no comment,” coach Mark Daigneault stated. And that will be my response to anything connected.”
Last week, the Thunder guard was seen in viral photos hanging out with a high school student. Internet sleuths eventually discovered the young girl’s Snapchat post, which included a photo of him with the caption, “Just fucked Josh Giddey.” The girl’s age has not been established.
