GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida men's basketball coach Todd Golden acknowledged Saturday that there was an ongoing school investigation and said he was considering “defamation claims,” presumably against his accusers.
“Over the past month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school investigation,” Golden said in a statement posted to X. “I recently became involved [attorney] Ken Turkel for advice on my ability to bring defamation claims while this confidential investigation is ongoing.
“My family and I appreciate the support we have received and are confident that the university will continue its efforts to complete its review quickly.”
Golden's statement came a day after the Independent Florida Alligator reported that the university was investigating Golden for allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, harassment and cyberbullying of several women, including students.
– Todd Golden (@CoachToddGolden) November 9, 2024
According to the student newspaper, the allegations include making unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, requesting sexual favors and sending photos and videos of his genitals. The newspaper based its report on a Title IX complaint filed against Golden on September 27.
Golden led Saturday's practice on the Florida campus in preparation for Monday night's home game against Grambling State. Golden was expected to coach the 21st-ranked Gators (2-0) in that game.
The Associated Press requested a copy of the complaint from the university. Under federal law, schools cannot comment on or even confirm any Title IX inquiries, complaints, or investigations.
On more than one occasion, the newspaper said, Golden allegedly took photographs of women walking or driving and sent those photographs to the subjects involved. The alleged harassment incidents also included Golden, a married father of two young children, showing up at places where he knew women would be.
Golden, 39, signed a two-year contract extension in March that included a $1 million raise and raised his annual salary to $4 million. The deal puts Golden under contract through 2030.
Golden is 42-29 in two-plus seasons in Gainesville and has its deepest and most talented roster in his three years.
This is the third series of serious allegations against a head coach during athletic director Scott Stricklin's eight-year tenure.
Stricklin allowed women's basketball coach Cam Newbauer to resign in 2021 amid allegations that she verbally, physically and mentally abused players and staff members. Newbauer received a purchase of $283,250 that was paid in installments.
Less than a year later, Stricklin fired women's soccer coach Tony Amato amid an investigation into the coach's comments and behavior regarding players' eating habits and body shapes. Amato was fired without cause one year into a six-year contract, leaving the Gators on the hook for approximately $1.125 million.
Stricklin has also been criticized for two NCAA investigations: the first in 2020 put the Gators on probation for the first time in 30 years and led to a show case for then-football coach Dan Mullen; the second involved former signed quarterback Jaden Rashada and a failed name, image and likeness valued at nearly $14 million. Rashada is now suing Florida football coach Billy Napier, already a prominent booster.
