GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s head coach, Todd Golden, is ready to put the recent controversy behind him, with any legal actions likely postponed until after the current season. For the fifth-ranked Gators, this means focusing on a challenging schedule ahead, including three away games against top-15 ranked opponents within the next two weeks. The difficult stretch will kick off with a match against No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday, and Golden is feeling relieved after being cleared of sexual misconduct allegations he described as distressing.
After a thorough four-month investigation into claims of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and stalking, the university has announced that no evidence was found, leading to the conclusion of the inquiry. On Monday, the institution cleared Golden of all charges. “I’m glad to move forward from this,” Golden commented on Thursday. “Our complete focus now is on our team and the game coming up on Saturday. I am eager to engage in discussions about basketball.”
It remains uncertain what action the Title IX complainants may take next, as they have the option to appeal the university’s decision. They could potentially file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights in Washington or pursue litigation in either state or federal court. Karen Truszkowski, the attorney representing the claimants, has not responded to inquiries seeking her input on the matter.
Throughout the process, Golden refrained from outright denying the allegations to respect the legal proceedings and had previously mentioned the possibility of taking legal action against his unnamed accusers. Statements from the university’s athletic association, along with those from Golden and his attorney, were released on Monday, with Golden expressing that the long duration of the investigation was frustrating, while his attorney criticized the complainants for leaking sensitive information.
When asked about steps he plans to take to restore his reputation, Golden chose not to elaborate. “Honestly, that’s a valid and important question, but it’s not my focus right now,” he explained. “My priority is ensuring our team is prepared and ready for Saturday’s game. I’ll deal with those concerns later.”
The allegations initially reported against Golden included accusations that he sent explicit images, made unwelcome sexual advances on social media, and solicited sexual favors. These claims were first covered by The Independent Florida Alligator in early November. Golden’s attorney, William Shepherd, stated that the university’s findings reinforce that the complaint lacked merit.
At 39, Golden signed a lucrative two-year contract extension last March, which includes a $1 million salary increase, bringing his total compensation to $4 million annually. This agreement is set to last until the conclusion of the 2029-30 season. So far, he holds a record of 58-31 over three seasons with the Gators, and his team has achieved 18 victories in their first 20 matches this season.
Winning in Knoxville would significantly enhance the team’s chances for a strong postseason showing, according to Golden. “Competing in one of the top arenas in college basketball and fighting hard for 40 or 45 minutes, however long it takes to secure a victory, would be immensely satisfying,” he remarked. “If we manage to win on Saturday, I genuinely believe we should be considered for a No. 1 seed.”
Looking ahead, the Gators also have matches lined up against No. 24 Vanderbilt, first-ranked Auburn, and No. 14 Mississippi State. Golden acknowledged the competitive nature of the league, noting that teams are not heavily penalized for losses unless they are severe. “Every victory serves as a strong statement for our resume. If we secure wins, we could very well elevate our position for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament,” he stated.
