GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida basketball head coach Todd Golden confirmed on Saturday that he is involved in an ongoing investigation by the university and is contemplating “defamation claims” against those making allegations against him.
In a statement shared on X, Golden expressed, “For the past month, I have been both actively participating in and respecting the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry. I have now sought the advice of attorney Ken Turkel regarding potential defamation claims during this ongoing confidential investigation.”
He also added, “My family and I are grateful for the support we have received and trust that the university will continue its efforts to conclude this review expeditiously.”
Golden’s statement followed a report from the Independent Florida Alligator, which indicated that the university is looking into Golden for various allegations including sexual harassment, stalking, and cyberstalking of multiple women, some of whom are students.
The student newspaper reported that the allegations involve unsolicited sexual advances through Instagram, requests for sexual favors, and the sharing of explicit photos and videos. These claims arise from a Title IX complaint that was submitted against him on September 27.
Despite the ongoing situation, Golden conducted a practice session on Saturday to prepare the 21st-ranked Gators (2-0) for their upcoming home match against Grambling State, where he is expected to serve as head coach.
The university received a request from the Associated Press for a copy of the Title IX complaint. However, federal regulations prevent educational institutions from commenting on or confirming any details of Title IX inquiries, complaints, or investigations.
According to the report, Golden was involved in incidents where he allegedly captured images of women without their consent and sent these photos to the women themselves. Reports of stalking further suggested that Golden, who is married with two young children, frequented places where he knew the women would be.
Golden, 39, recently signed a two-year contract extension in March that raised his annual salary to $4 million, extending his contract through 2030. Over the past two-plus seasons in Gainesville, he holds a record of 42-29 and has what is considered to be his strongest roster in three years.
These allegations mark the third serious set of claims against a head coach during athletic director Scott Stricklin’s eight-year tenure. In 2021, Stricklin permitted the resignation of the women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer following accusations of verbal, physical, and mental abuse directed at players and staff, which resulted in a $283,250 buyout.
Shortly afterwards, Stricklin fired women’s soccer coach Tony Amato amidst inquiries into his comments and behavior concerning players’ eating habits and body image. Amato was dismissed without cause after only a year into his six-year contract, costing the university around $1.125 million.
Additionally, Stricklin has faced criticism due to two NCAA investigations. The first, initiated in 2020, placed Florida on probation for the first time in 30 years and imposed a show-cause order against former football coach Dan Mullen. The second investigation revolves around former quarterback recruit Jaden Rashada and a failed NIL deal worth almost $14 million, leading Rashada to pursue legal action against Florida football coach Billy Napier and a notable booster.