The University of Florida has closed its research on the male basketball coach of the Gators, Todd Golden after finding “no evidence” that he violated title IX, the school said Monday.
The four -month investigation followed a complaint filed against Golden on September 27 that included accusations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, harassment and cybether of multiple women, including students.
“The University of Florida takes these issues seriously and works deliberately to ensure that due process is confirmed for all,” said spokesman for Steve Orlando University in a statement. “After an exhaustive investigation that included dozens of interviews in recent months, the University of Florida has not found evidence that Todd Golden Viora IX. The Title IX office has closed its research.”
An spokesman for the University Athletic Association, which Supervises Florida Athletics, also confirmed to ESPN that the review has been completed.
“We take these matters seriously and understand the need for the process to be carried out with strict confidentiality and discretion,” the UAA said in a statement. “Throughout this process, the Golden coach has demonstrated a huge approach and professionalism, and we congratulate him for that. As the Gators advance, we reaffirm our commitment to promote an integrity championship experience.”
ESPN obtained on Monday a copy of a letter that the University sent to a plaintiff. According to the letter, the Coordinator of Title IX determined that there was no evidence to indicate that sexual harassment “occurred within a university program or activity”, and that is why the school had to rule out the complaint. The letter indicated that the complaint began after the university received an anonymous report that “it appointed multiple people potentially affected.”
The lawyer Karen Truszkowski, who represents a 21 -year -old student who did not attend the University of Florida, said that although the informed behavior could not be under the definition of title IX, “there was certainly evidence that there was a questionable activity that It happened “while Golden participated in a university event.
The title IX complaint included accusations that Golden sent photos and videos of his genitals, made unwanted sexual advances on Instagram and requested sexual favors. The school has rejected requests to publish complaint records.
Golden recognized school research one day after he was made public in early November, saying that he was participating in the investigation and that he was considering defamation claims.
“The last months have been a challenge for my family and for me while this process lasted,” Golden said in a statement published in X on Monday. “We ask that the public allow the process to work until its conclusion and not rush to judge according to the accusations. The UAA and many in the university have been tremendously solidarity: my family and I are extremely grateful.”
Golden William Shepherd lawyer said Monday that the investigation result showed that Title IX complaint was “without merit.”
“The Golden coach and I have respected the process at all times while we actively relate to the University. However, there were many who did not respect the research process,” said Shepherd's statement. “On the other hand, they sought to aim the Golden coach and conduct their agenda and this investigation for their own interest. Some leaked confidential material to the media; falsely raised as an UF lawyer in an effort to intimidate; students and harassed parents to try to generate a false narrative;
“The Golden coach appreciates the support that he and his program have received from so many in the university and throughout the country. Now that this is concluded, the coach can continue to focus on the basketball season and consider their legal options in the low season , but now is the time to move forward. “
A separate consultation of the title IX that involves the assistant coach of Florida Taurean Green that includes accusations of sexual assault is ongoing. An employee of the Athletics Department claimed that Green, a former Florida player who joined the basketball staff in 2022 after a professional basketball career, kissed her and tried to put her hand in March 2024, according to a complaint reviewed by ESPN Earlier this month. .
Golden, 39, is in his third season as the main male basketball coach in Florida. The Gators (18-2, 5-2 seconds) occupy the number 5 in the AP survey, in their best beginning since the Final Four reached in 2014.
Golden signed a two-year contract extension last March that brought his annual salary to $ 4 million and keeps him under contract until the 2029-30 season.
Before being hired in 2022, Golden was the chief coach in San Francisco for three seasons, taking the Dons to the NCAA tournament weeks before his departure.
Paula Lavigne of ESPN and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
