The recent allegations against NBA player Josh Giddey for allegedly having sex with a minor have brought to light the league’s problematic history with addressing violence against women. This issue is further highlighted by the fact that the NBA continues to embrace and honor Karl Malone, who reportedly impregnated a 13-year-old when he was in college. When the league fails to hold individuals accountable for their actions, it sends a disturbing message to its fans.
Karl Malone, the namesake of the Karl Malone Award for the best college power forward, has long been associated with allegations that he fathered a child with a 13-year-old girl when he was a 20-year-old student at Louisiana Tech. The fact that Malone has never publicly addressed these allegations is deeply concerning. It is important to note that the age of consent in Louisiana was 18 by 1920 and reduced back to 17 in 2007, making Malone’s actions illegal and morally reprehensible.
The situation becomes even more troubling when comparing it to the current allegations against Josh Giddey, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. It is essential to remember that no U.S. state has an age of consent as low as 15, and even those that set it below 18 often have additional laws that establish a maximum age difference between the parties when one of them is under 18. Giddey is seven years older than the alleged victim, which is clearly illegal and unacceptable.
The lack of accountability and response from both Malone and Giddey is disheartening. Malone refused to comment on the allegations, dismissing them as his personal life. Giddey and Thunder coach Mark Daigneault have also refused to comment on the ongoing investigation. This avoidance of the issue and the decision to allow Giddey to continue playing send a disturbing message that allegations of statutory rape are not significant enough to warrant discipline.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident in the NBA. The league has a long history of players involved in violence against women, with many of them receiving little to no consequences for their actions. From Karl Malone to Miles Bridges’ felony domestic violence charge to the allegations against Kevin Porter Jr., the NBA has often turned a blind eye to these issues. Even former player and coach Jason Kidd, who pleaded guilty to spousal abuse, has found success in the league despite his past.
It is commendable that Charles Barkley spoke out about the NBA’s problem with how players treat women, but he remains one of the few voices addressing the issue. The silence from other players, coaches, and even league officials, including Commissioner Adam Silver, is concerning. The NBA should be at the forefront of addressing domestic violence and sexual assault, using its platform to advocate for change.
The lack of action and support from the league and its stars sends a dangerous message to young men and women who look up to these players. By ignoring allegations and failing to hold individuals accountable, the NBA perpetuates the notion that violence against women is not important and that women are not to be believed. This dismissive attitude towards such serious issues is deeply troubling and needs to be addressed.
It is uncertain whether the NBA will take meaningful steps in handling the Giddey investigation. Past incidents, such as Kobe Bryant’s sexual assault charge in 2003, have shown that the league often fails to address these issues adequately. It is likely that the alleged victim will refuse to cooperate, allowing the league to claim they did their best while avoiding any real consequences for Giddey. Those who speak out against this lack of accountability will be dismissed as “bringing up the past” or “haters,” perpetuating the cycle of silence and inaction.
It is crucial for the NBA to prioritize the safety and well-being of its players and fans, particularly when it comes to violence against women. The league must take a stand, hold individuals accountable for their actions, and actively work towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. Only then can the NBA begin to rectify its problematic history and truly demonstrate its commitment to addressing these important issues.
