Florida clears coach Todd Golden in months-long Title IX investigation

Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel on Jan 27, 2025

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden has been cleared during a Title IX investigation into claims of stalking and sexual harassment, potentially culminating a months-long saga amid the Gators’ best season in a decade.

“After a thorough investigation that included dozens of interviews over the past months, the University of Florida has found no evidence that Todd Golden violated Title IX,” read a statement released by Steve Orlando, University of Florida spokesman. “The Title IX office has closed its investigation.”

Golden has not publicly denied the claims but did acknowledge an ongoing school inquiry and threatened defamation claims on Nov. 10. A day earlier, the school’s Independent Florida Alligator newspaper reported UF’s Title IX office filed a formal complaint on Sept. 27 alleging violations of the university’s Gender Equity Policy.

Golden recently questioned a Title IX process required to be confidential after ESPN reported sexual assault allegations of an athletics department employee by assistant coach Taurean Green, the point guard of the 2006 and 2007 national-title teams.

“I’m just really just frustrated and disappointed that a Title IX mechanism that is created to protect both sides during a situation like this, with confidentiality and privacy, continues to be abused,” Golden said Jan. 17.

After Monday’s announcement, Golden responded on his X account.

“The last several months have been a challenge for my family and me while the process dragged on,” he wrote. “We asked for the public to allow the process to work through to its conclusion and not rush to judgment based on allegations. The UAA and so many at the University have been tremendously supportive — my family and I are extremely grateful.

“And thank you for to our fans for your incredible support for our players and our program. It made a huge difference.”

The school’s University Athletic Association also responded when contacted about the findings.

“We take these matters seriously and understand the need for the process to be conducted with strict confidentiality and discretion,” the UAA said in a statement. “Throughout this process Coach Golden has demonstrated tremendous focus and professionalism, and we commend him for that. As the Gators move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting a championship experience with integrity.”

The accusations, coupled with those against Golden, have raised questions about the culture of the 39-year-old coach’s program.

The Independent Florida Alligator reported multiple women, including UF students, claimed Golden stalked, cyberstalked, sexually harassed and sexually exploited them.

The student newspaper reported Sept. 23 — the week before the investigation into Golden began — that the university had hired a private California-based company, Grand River Solutions, in October 2023 to conduct its Title IX investigations.

Title IX is designed to protect students, but ESPN reported one of the women who spoke with investigators does not attend UF and knows Golden socially.

According to the Independent Florida Alligator, Golden’s accusers alleged he made unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, requested sexual favors and sent photos as well as videos of his genitalia while traveling for UF. On multiple occasions, the report stated, he allegedly took pictures of women walking or driving, photographed their cars and showed up to locations where he knew the women would be.

The university allowed Golden, in his third season at UF, to coach the Gators during the investigation.

Fans gave Golden a warm reception on Nov. 12 at the O’Connell Center prior to a visit from Grambling, La.

“During the current circumstances, I appreciate it,” Golden said after UF’s 86-62 win.

Golden’s wife and college sweetheart, Megan, sat four rows behind her husband while their two children sat directly behind the Florida bench.

After the game, Golden called the previous days “challenging” and said he and Tampa-based attorney Ken Turkel are considering “defamation claims.”

“Obviously, I would love to be able to give you more,” Golden said. “But that’s all I can give in this moment.”

Many Florida fans have stood by Golden. The Gators have sold out seven games this season, including Saturday’s 89-59 rout of Georgia.

“Coach Golden appreciates the support and his program have received from so many at the University and from around the country,” his attorney William Shepherd said in a statement appearing on X. “Now that this is concluded, Coach can continue to focus on the basketball season and consider his legal options in the offseason … but now it’s a time to move forward.”

UF is 18-2, its best since the 2014 Final Four season and the school’s highest ranking since December 2021. Golden agreed to a two-year contract extension with a $1 million raise in March after he led UF to its first NCAA tournament berth since 2021. The deal is set to keep Golden through the 2020-30 season.

UF is 57-30 overall under Golden.

Meanwhile, the investigation into Green is ongoing.

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