Todd Golden has been the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Florida since 2022, and now, he is the center of a sexual harassment and stalking investigation. A Title IX complaint was sent to the university on Sept. 27. In it, victims said Golden, “violated the UF Gender Equity Policy.”
According to The Independent Florida Alligator, “The formal Title IX complaint against Golden obtained by The Alligator includes allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking. The complaint alleges that for over a year, Golden specifically aimed these behaviors toward UF students.”
Golden allegedly took photos of female students in public and would then send the photos to the same unsuspecting women. He would also follow them, showing up at locations where he knew the women would be. His actions extended to social media as well, as the women said he sent them inappropriate photos and messages over Instagram DMs.
The women told the Alligator that, “The nature of Golden’s alleged stalking became more assertive over time.”
After remaining silent since the complaint was filed at the end of September, Golden posted his statement to X over the weekend and said, “For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry. 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.”
Despite the ongoing investigation and Title IX complaint, Golden has not yet been suspended or disciplined by the University of Florida. A university athletic association spokesperson told ESPN, "Todd Golden's status as UF men's basketball coach has not changed. He will be coaching the game Monday night."
