The University of Florida has officially cleared Gators men’s basketball head coach Todd Golden of any wrongdoing following an extensive four-month Title IX investigation into serious allegations of sexual exploitation, harassment, and stalking leveled against the 39-year-old coach in the midst of his team’s impressive season. The fifth-ranked Gators have won 18 of their first 20 games under Golden’s leadership.
In a statement released on Monday, university spokesman Steve Orlando affirmed that a thorough investigation, which included interviews with dozens of individuals over several months, found no evidence that Golden violated Title IX policies. The university’s Title IX office has now closed its investigation into the matter.
The University of Florida takes these matters seriously and works deliberately to ensure that due process is upheld for everyone. 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.
Steve Orlando, University of Florida Spokesman
Allegations and Investigation Timeline
The complaint lodged against Golden included accusations that the head coach sent photos and videos of his genitalia, made unwanted sexual advances via Instagram, and requested sexual favors from the complainant. Golden had sidestepped opportunities to publicly deny the allegations during the investigation, citing respect for the Title IX process, while also threatening potential legal action against his unnamed accuser(s).
Title IX is a federal civil rights law designed to protect students from discrimination and sexual harassment in educational programs that receive federal funding. In 2023, the University of Florida began outsourcing its Title IX investigations to Grand River Solutions, a private California-based firm specializing in such cases.
Coach’s Contract and Conduct Clauses
Last March, Golden signed a two-year contract extension with the university, increasing his annual salary to $4 million through the 2029-30 season. The deal includes specific language prohibiting “romantic, amorous and/or sexual relationships” between coaches or athletic department employees and student-athletes or other individuals under their supervision or authority.
The contract also allows the university to take disciplinary action if a coach’s conduct has an “adverse effect” on the reputation, mission, or interests of the athletic department or university as a whole. Golden, who holds a 58-31 record in his three seasons at Florida, has guided the Gators to their best start in over a decade this year.
Frustrations with Title IX Process
Despite being cleared, Golden expressed disappointment with the handling of what was meant to be a confidential Title IX process, particularly after his assistant coach, Taurean Green, was publicly named in a separate sexual assault complaint that remains under investigation.
I am just frustrated and disappointed that a Title IX mechanism that is created to protect both sides during a situation like this — that confidentiality and privacy continues to be abused.
Todd Golden, Florida Gators Men’s Basketball Coach
Ongoing Challenges in College Athletics
The Todd Golden investigation is just one in a series of high-profile cases involving allegations of misconduct by college coaches and athletic department personnel in recent years. As universities grapple with creating and enforcing policies to protect student-athletes and maintain the integrity of their programs, the effectiveness and fairness of Title IX investigations have come under increased scrutiny.
While the University of Florida’s inquiry into Golden has concluded, the broader challenges of addressing and preventing sexual misconduct in college athletics persist. As the separate complaint against assistant coach Taurean Green remains ongoing, it serves as a stark reminder that these issues are far from resolved and will require ongoing vigilance and commitment from universities, coaches, and student-athletes alike.
As the Florida Gators men’s basketball team continues its impressive season on the court, the university and its athletic department must remain focused on fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and safety for all members of its community, both on and off the hardwood. The outcome of the Todd Golden investigation may provide some closure, but the work of ensuring a safe and equitable environment for student-athletes is an ongoing responsibility that demands the attention and dedication of all stakeholders in college sports.
