In Gainesville, Florida, allegations have emerged against the basketball coach Todd Golden, involving serious claims of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking, and cyberstalking directed at several women, notably students, over the last year. A report released on Friday by the university’s student newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator, has detailed these accusations.
The newspaper referenced a Title IX complaint dated September 27 that reportedly outlines incidents where Golden made unwanted advances via Instagram, solicited sexual favors, and shared inappropriate photos and videos of his genitals. The claims prompted inquiries to the university for the complaint’s details; however, due to federal regulations, the institution is unable to discuss or confirm any Title IX investigations. University officials opted not to comment when approached for details, and the current status of Golden’s legal representation remains unclear, with Golden also failing to respond to requests for comments.
The allegations reportedly include various incidents where Golden took unauthorized photographs of women, while they were either walking or driving, and subsequently sent these images to the women. Furthermore, there are claims that Golden, who is married and has two small children, attended locations he knew the women would frequent without their consent, which could be classified as stalking.
Golden, who recently signed a two-year contract extension in March that included a significant salary increase of $1 million, is now bound to the Gators through 2030 under a deal worth over $4 million annually. In his tenure spanning two-plus seasons in Gainesville, Golden has a record of 42 wins to 29 losses. This season, he leads the 21st-ranked Gators, who have won their first two games decisively.
These allegations mark the third significant set of accusations against a head coach during the 8-year tenure of athletic director Scott Stricklin. In 2021, women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer was compelled to resign due to allegations of abusive behavior towards players and staff. Additionally, less than a year later, Stricklin dismissed women’s soccer coach Tony Amato amid an investigation into his inappropriate remarks and conduct regarding players’ physical appearances and eating habits. Amato’s termination without cause cost the Gators approximately $1.125 million, despite only one year into his six-year contract.