Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden is the subject of a Title IX complaint that accuses him of sexual harassment, including sending lewd photos of himself while traveling for the Gators, according to a report Friday by the university’s student newspaper.
Golden said in a statement Saturday that he has been participating with the school’s investigation while maintaining its confidentiality. “My family and I appreciate the support we have received and remain confident the university will continue its efforts to finish its review promptly,” Golden said in a statement. Golden also said he has retained attorney Ken Turkel about a potential defamation case. Turkel declined to comment Saturday evening.
Golden, 39, has coached the No. 21 Gators to their 2-0 start this season, including a 21-point win over Jacksonville on Thursday evening. Florida is next scheduled to play Monday at home against Grambling State.
Golden took over the Gators after a three-year run at San Francisco. He’s 42-29 through two-plus seasons. He led Florida to the NCAA Tournament and the championship game of the SEC tournament last season.
In March, Golden signed a new contract that included a raise and a two-year extension through the 2029-30 season.
The allegations are the latest off-field scandal to hit Florida under athletic director Scott Stricklin. In 2021, women’s basketball coach Cameron Newbauer resigned amid concerns about his conduct and treatment of players and others. In 2022, women’s soccer coach Tony Amato was fired after a report accused him of making inappropriate comments to players about their eating habits.
(Photo: Eakin Howard / Getty Images)
