Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey is reportedly at risk of losing his $40 million sponsorship deal with Weet-Bix, an Australian cereal brand by the Sanitarium Health Food Company, amid the NBA investigation into allegations of Giddey having an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl.
The 21-year-old Aussie has been removed from the company’s social media accounts, according to Code Sports.
A spokesperson for Sanitarium said the company is aware of the situation, but said it had yet to cut ties with Giddey.
“We are obviously aware of news surrounding Josh Giddey and are waiting for facts to be confirmed,” the spokesperson told Code Sports.
“We are in contact with Josh’s management team and waiting on further detail at this point.”
Giddey previously appeared on Weet-Bix cereal boxes and other promotional materials marketing the brand.
Other athlete ambassadors for the cereal brand — including Alex de Minaur, Ellyse Perry, Marnus Labuschagne and Tim Cahill — are still featured on the Weet-Bix social media accounts.
Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings during the In-Season Tournament on November 10, 2023 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA is looking into the allegations of Giddey having an inappropriate relationship with a minor, league spokesman Mike Bass confirmed to The Post on Friday.
The allegations against Giddey first emerged on social media late Wednesday night.
There has been no indication of police involvement as of Monday morning.
Giddey had no comment when asked about the matter during the Thunder’s media availability on Friday.
“I understand the question obviously but no, there is no further comment right now,” Giddey said.
“… I get the questions guys, I completely understand you want guys want to know about it, but just for right now I don’t have anything to say,” he added.
Josh Giddey was asked a follow up about the situation: pic.twitter.com/BqkB7uk3DZ
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 24, 2023
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault also had no comment.
“Personal matter, and I have no comment on it,” he said on Friday. “And that will be my answer to anything related.”
Giddey was in the starting lineup for Saturday’s 127-123 loss to the Sixers.
He recorded 10 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
Daigneault explained Giddey was available to play prior to the game.
“Available to play. Will play. No change in status from a basketball standpoint,” Daigneault said. “Still, I have no comment on anything else.
“Just with the information that we have at this point, that’s the decision that we’ve made. It’s really not even a decision, to be honest with you.”
Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Paycom Center on November 22, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Getty Images
When asked about the investigation, Daigneault said, “It’s obviously a league matter at this point, the ball’s in their court on that.”
Giddey is expected to be available for the Thunder’s in-season tournament game against the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Tuesday, pending the league’s investigation.
Giddey was named a brand ambassador for the Australian apparel brand Cotton On for its denim and T-shirts in December 2022.
Cotton On did not immediately respond The Post’s request for comment.
The former sixth overall pick has been a key piece of the Thunder’s young core on both ends of the floor.
“I didn’t expect to come in, start straight away and start every game since,” Giddey said in a cover interview with GQ Australia for its Sept./Oct. fall issue. “A lot has happened in the past few years that caught me by surprise, but it’s been everything I could have hoped for and more.”
Giddey played for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League as a part of the league’s Next Stars program to develop NBA draft prospects.
The 6-foot-8 guard — who was named the 2021 NBL Rookie of the Year — was selected by the Thunder in the 2021 NBA Draft.
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