Florida basketball coach Todd Golden released a brief statement Saturday, a day after a story broke in the school’s student newspaper detailing a Title IX complaint against him by several female students.
Golden acknowledged a “school inquiry” was taking place, said he had retained noted Tampa attorney Ken Turkel and was considering pursuing defamation claims. The third-year coach, who took the Gators to the NCAA tournament last season, did not say against whom he might pursue legal action.
Here’s the complete statement, which was posted on X:
“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.”
According to a report Friday in the Independent Alligator, the 39-year-old Golden allegedly sent photos and videos of his genitalia to women, made unwanted sexual advances via Instagram and requested sexual favors. He is also accused of taking photos of women without their consent and then sending the pictures to them, and “showing up to locations where he knew the women would be.”
Neither the university nor its athletics department has issued any kind of public statement regarding Golden’s employment status. Florida is 2-0 heading into Monday night’s home game vs. Grambling State.
