Josh Giddey’s standing as one of many faces of breakfast cereal Weet-Bix seems to have vanished, no less than momentarily, following the allegations made towards him in the US.
On high of his NBA contract with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, the 21-year-old Giddey additionally has various sponsorship preparations, together with an envoy take care of Weet-Bix reportedly price $40 million.
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The Victorian has been tied to the Sanitarium product for 2 years, however as Code Sports activities first reported, Giddey seems to be not discovered on the cereal’s social media accounts.
Alongside fellow athletes resembling Alex de Minaur, Ellyse Perry, Marnus Labuschagne and Tim Cahill (who are usually not dealing with any allegations or probes), Giddey could be discovered on Weet-Bix cereal packing containers and has appeared in advertising and marketing materials for the model.
It seems that he’s not being featured on the corporate’s social media account, though a spokesperson for Sanitarium wouldn’t affirm and solely stated to Code Sports activities the corporate was monitoring the scenario.
“We’re clearly conscious of stories surrounding Josh Giddey and are ready for info to be confirmed,” the spokesperson instructed Code Sports activities.
“We’re involved with Josh’s administration staff and ready on additional element at this level.”
There isn’t a suggestion police have been concerned within the allegations.
The NBA has confirmed it’s investigating the matter, which revolve round an allegation Giddey has been concerned in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
The allegations first arose by way of an nameless social media submit final Thursday, which has since been deleted, and Giddey stated he was unable to touch upon the allegations towards him throughout a staff media occasion on Saturday.
“I perceive the query clearly, however there’s no additional remark proper now,” he stated.
The Boomers star is at present within the third 12 months of a four-year $41m rookie contract with the Thunder, however might command considerably extra in his subsequent contract given his performances thus far within the NBA.
The allegations towards Giddey emerged when footage and movies have been posted to social media that includes the Australian with a younger lady.
One of many photos is of a shirtless Giddey standing behind the lady.
There are movies which function Giddey supposedly speaking to the woman’s brother, by which he says: “I’m right here together with your stunning sister.
“Good luck in your season. I hear you’re going to Sacramento quickly for a sport so better of luck. We’re going to return up and watch you deal with enterprise.”
In one other video, the place she seems to be standing within the background exterior a nightclub, Giddey says: “What’s up my man? We’re on the entrance of the membership, me and my woman, about to move again to mine.”
The authorized age to attend a nightclub in the US is 21.
Alongside together with his NBA achievements, Giddey represented Australia on the 2023 FIBA World Cup and looms as a key determine for the Boomers at subsequent 12 months’s Paris Olympics.
Boomers coach Brian Goorjian was requested concerning the scenario on Monday and acknowledged Giddey has his “full help”.
The veteran coach is travelling to the US subsequent month to satisfy with Giddey and different Boomers taking part in within the NBA and anticipated to be made extra conscious of the scenario.
“It’s actually out of my wheelhouse,” Goorjian stated on the Gold Coast on Monday.
“All I’ve finished is messaged him and let him know the help is there.
“I’m going to go over in early December and see him face-to-face.
“I simply need to let him know proper now he’s acquired our full help.”
Oklahoma Metropolis has not stood Giddey down after the emergence of the photographs and video, with the guard taking part in in final Sunday’s house loss to the Sixers.
The Thunder’s subsequent match is on the highway towards Minnesota on Wednesday Australian time.