The University of Florida men’s basketball program finds itself embroiled in controversy as head coach Todd Golden faces a school investigation into serious allegations of misconduct. According to a Title IX complaint filed on September 27, Golden is accused of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking, and cyberstalking multiple women, including students at the university.
Golden, who is married with two young children, allegedly sent unwanted sexual advances and explicit photos and videos to women via Instagram. The complaint also claims he requested sexual favors and engaged in both physical and digital forms of stalking, such as showing up at locations where he knew the women would be and sending them photos he had taken of them without their knowledge.
Coach Acknowledges Inquiry, Considers Legal Action
On Saturday, Golden publicly acknowledged the ongoing investigation for the first time. In a statement posted on social media, the 39-year-old coach said he has been actively participating in and respecting the confidentiality of the school’s inquiry over the past month. He also revealed that he has engaged an attorney to advise him on potential defamation claims against his accusers.
“For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry,” Golden stated. “I have recently engaged (attorney) Ken Turkel to advise me on my ability to bring defamation claims while this confidential investigation is ongoing.”
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Golden led the Gators’ practice on Saturday and is expected to continue coaching the 21st-ranked team in their upcoming game against Grambling State on Monday night. The university has not commented on the complaint or investigation, citing federal laws that prohibit schools from confirming or discussing Title IX inquiries.
A Pattern of Misconduct Allegations Under AD Stricklin
This is not the first time a head coach has faced misconduct allegations during athletic director Scott Stricklin’s eight-year tenure at Florida. In 2021, women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer was allowed to resign amid claims he verbally, physically, and mentally abused players and staff. Less than a year later, women’s soccer coach Tony Amato was fired during an investigation into his comments and behavior regarding players’ eating habits and body shapes.
Stricklin has also faced scrutiny for two NCAA investigations in recent years. The first, in 2020, resulted in probation for the university and a show-cause penalty for then-football coach Dan Mullen. The second involved a name, image, and likeness deal worth nearly $14 million for a quarterback recruit who ultimately sued football coach Billy Napier and a prominent booster.
Potential Impact on Gators’ Promising Season
The allegations against Golden come at a critical juncture for the Florida basketball program. After two-plus seasons at the helm, Golden has assembled his deepest and most talented roster yet. The Gators are off to a 2-0 start and ranked 21st in the nation, with high hopes for the upcoming season.
It remains to be seen how the investigation will affect the team’s performance and chemistry. Golden signed a two-year contract extension in March that raised his annual salary to $4 million and keeps him under contract through 2030. If the allegations are substantiated, however, his future with the program could be in jeopardy.
As the university continues its confidential inquiry, many questions remain unanswered. Will more accusers come forward? How will the team and recruits respond to the controversy surrounding their coach? And will Golden’s potential defamation claims further complicate an already delicate situation?
For now, the Florida basketball program finds itself at a crossroads, with its coach under fire and its once-promising season suddenly shrouded in uncertainty. As the investigation unfolds, the university, its students, and college basketball fans across the country will be watching closely to see how this troubling saga plays out both on and off the court.
