ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has unloaded on “idiots” for commentary around Aussie NBA star Josh Giddey amid an investigation into his off-court behaviour.
The league is probing since-deleted social media posts about Giddey and a young female, with the Oklahoma City Thunder still allowing him to play and Boomers coach Brian Goorjian giving Giddey his full support.
On his self-titled show, Smith urged trolls to stop commenting on the story and “shut the hell up” given there are so many unknowns.
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“There comes a time when prudence and responsible dialogue has to take place,” Smith said.
“This man Josh Giddey is currently being investigated by the NBA.
“We don’t know who she was, we don’t know how old she was. We don’t know anything. We know there is an investigation going on.’
“That is all we know. We don’t know anything else.
“You know why Stephen A hasn’t said anything? Because you could get sued, idiots.
“You don’t just go out there running your god damn mouth over something this serious.”
Another video emerged in recent days appearing to show Giddey and the woman dancing inside a nightclub.
The age of consent in the US varies across different states from 16 to 18, while you must be 21 to enter a nightclub legally.
There is currently no police investigation into Giddey’s behaviour.
“You use your social media accounts and go to Josh Giddey and flat out accuse him and state it as a point of fact,” Smith said.
“Make sure you give him your name and address, too, because he could probably sue you.
“You have to wait and see. We don’t have all the information.
“We don’t even have the specific allegations, in terms of its depth.
“If I had a clue, I would have spoken on it, but I don’t know anything and it’s why I haven’t said anything.
“My advice to you all is to shut up and do the same.”
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