Stephen A. Smith blasts 'idiots running their mouths' amid NBA investigation into Oklahoma City Thunder's Josh Giddey's alleged inappropriate relationship with a minor: 'You could get SUED'

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith heavily admonished 'idiots running their mouths' on social media as it pertains to the NBA's investigation into the Oklahoma City Thunder's Josh Giddey over an alleged inappropriate relationship with a minor. 

'We know there's an investigation going on. That's all we know. We don't know anything else,' Smith said on his self-titled show on Monday. 'You know why Stephen A. hasn't said anything? Because you could get sued idiots.

'You don't just go out there running your damn mouth over something this serious.'

The 21-year-old Giddey being investigated by the NBA was confirmed by the league itself on Friday. There have been no charges filed and no police involvement from the alleged incident thus far.

The allegations against Giddey started to circulate over now-deleted posts on social media that showed images of the Australian being seen with a girl who was allegedly a high-school junior at the time.  

Among the now-deleted social media posts was a video of Giddey allegedly spending time in a nightclub with the woman. 

The age of consent across American states ranges from 16 to 18 years old, while the minimum age to legally enter a nightclub is 21. 

The states that have ages of consent under 18 typically have additional laws that restrict how old one of the individuals can be to legally receive consent, which is usually only a few years older than the younger individual. 

Giddey has addressed the allegations, telling reporters on Friday: 'I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now.

'I get the question guys, I completely understand you guys want to know about it. Just for right now, I don’t have anything to say.'

Giddey started the Thunder's most recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers last Saturday and his status hasn't changed ahead of Oklahoma City's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. 

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has also commented on the matter without divulging any other details.   

'Personal matter, and I have no comment on it,' Daigneault said. 'Available to play. Will play. No change in status from a basketball standpoint. 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,' Daigneault continued. 

Smith has garnered a reputation for being brash and outspoken on almost every issue in sports for nearly two decades. Smith has covered the NBA for different outlets since 1994. 

Giddey was the No. 6 overall pick by Oklahoma City in the 2021 NBA Draft.