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Florida Gators release statement on Todd Golden amid allegations

On3 imageby: Zach Abolverdi11/10/24ZachAbolverdi
Florida-Gators-Todd-Golden
Florida coach Todd Golden. (Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images)

The University of Florida released a statement Sunday on Gators men’s basketball coach Todd Golden amid sexual harassment and stalking allegations against him in a University of Florida Title IX complaint.

Golden will coach the team’s next game on Monday against Grambling State, per a University Athletic Association spokesperson.

“Todd Golden’s status as UF men’s basketball coach has not changed. He will be coaching the game Monday night.”

Golden broke his silence on the situation Saturday, putting out a statement on social media. He said he has consulted with an attorney regarding pursuing defamation claims.

“For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry,” Golden wrote on X. “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.”

Golden is facing allegations of sexual harassment and stalking multiple women, which was first reported from The Alligator.

The UF student newspaper obtained documents from a formal complaint filed with the University of Florida Title IX office on Sept. 27, alleging that Golden engaged in conduct that could violate the UF Gender Equity Policy. 

In order to comply with federal law, UF can’t comment on or confirm any Title IX inquiries, complaints or investigations, per a school spokesperson.

The allegations in the investigation are sexual harassment and sexual exploitation, including unwanted sexual advances, requesting sexual favors and sending photos of his genitalia, according to the Alligator’s report.

The Title IX complaint also alleges various occasions of stalking and cyberstalking, including repeatedly liking and unliking and following and unfollowing multiple women to get their attention, including UF students.

Golden, 39, is in his third season at Florida and has a 42-29 record so far. He led the Gators to 24 wins last season, the program’s most since 2016-17, including their first SEC Tournament championship game since 2014 and their first NCAA Tournament in three years.

He was hired in March 2022 on a six-year deal worth $18 million after leading San Francisco to its first NCAA Tournament in 24 years. Golden received a pay raise and contract extension in March, raising Golden’s annual salary by over a million dollars to $4.1 per year. His new deal runs through the 2029-30 season.

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