Florida coach Todd Golden considers defamation claims in response to sexual harassment allegations

Basketball

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Image Credit: Ashley Ray, UAA

Florida Gators men’s basketball coach Todd Golden is under a Title IX investigation by the University of Florida amid allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment of multiple female students. Golden, 39, responded Saturday to the public release of those details with a statement shared on social media.

“For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry,” Golden said. “I have recently engaged Ken Turkel to advise me on my ability to bring defamation claims while this confidential investigation is ongoing. My family and I appreciate the support we have received and remain confident the university will continue its efforts to finish its review promptly.”

Neither UF nor the University Athletic Association have addressed the accusations or investigation; they are unable to do so given federal Title IX law. Golden has denied the allegations privately, Only Gators learned Friday.

Golden has been on the sidelines coaching No. 21 Florida to a 2-0 start this season during the ongoing investigation. Whether the Gators will allow him to continue doing so Monday against Grambling State — now that details of the investigation have been made public — remains to be seen.

Among the allegations levied against Golden are that the third-year coach made unwanted sexual advances toward women, including asking for explicit sexual favors and sending unrequested pictures of his genitals. He is also alleged to have stalked women in person — sending women photos of themselves he took in public, attending locations where he would encounter them — and online by using social media likes and follows as a means of getting their attention.

Golden agreed to a two-year extension in March through the 2029-30 season. The Gators finished just under .500 in Year 1 under his coaching before significantly improving in 2023-24 going 24-12 (11-7 SEC) with their first NCAA Tournament berth in three seasons.

Aware of these allegations in private circles over the last 6-9 months, rivals attempted to use the rumors against Golden while recruiting against him this offseason, Only Gators learned.

One of athletic director Scott Stricklin’s signature acquisitions — arguably the most successful given his first three external coaching hires are no longer at Florida amid a variety of misdeeds — Golden would be the latest in a long line of problematic coaches hired by Stricklin should these allegations prove out.