Florida men’s basketball head coach Todd Golden will coach against Grambling State on Monday despite dealing with a Title IX complaint, according to Jeff Borzollo of ESPN.
“Todd Golden’s status as UF men’s basketball coach has not changed,” a University Athletic Association spokesperson said. “He will be coaching the game Monday night.”
Florida Men’s Basketball Coach Remains In Charge Of Program Despite Despite Misconduct Accusations
On Friday, ESPN reported that Golden is the subject of a Title IX investigation following allegations of sexual harassment, stalking, and cyberstalking from multiple women, including students. According to UF’s independent student newspaper, The Alligator, Florida formally received notification about these allegations on September 27.
The Title IX complaint includes allegations that Golden sent photos and videos of his genitalia, made unwanted sexual advances on Instagram and requested sexual favors.
On multiple occasions, Golden allegedly took photos of women walking or driving — or their cars in various locations — and then sent those photos to the subjects of the photos. He also allegedly showed up to locations where he knew the women would be, according to the Title IX complaint.
Golden is in his third year with the Gators. He came to UF as one of the “highly touted” young college coaches after leading San Francisco to an NCAA Tournament berth in 2021-22. He has a 42-29 record with the Gators and led UF to 24 victories and an NCAA Tournament berth last season. It was the Gators’ first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2020-21 and their most victories since 2016-17, when they won 27 games.
Golden signed a two-year contract extension in March and now has an annual salary of $4 million. He is also now under contract until 2030.
The Title IX complaint says that 39-year-old Golden, who is married with two young boys, aimed these behaviors toward Florida students and former students. Golden has denied the allegations and is considering defamation claims. He released a statement on Saturday via his X account.
“For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry,” “I have recently engaged [attorney] 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.”
Golden 3rd UF Coach To Face Serious Accusations In Past 8 Years
Florida Athletics has had its fair share of problems on and off the field. Once the preeminent college athletics program in the state and one of the top in the SEC, the Gators have struggled in the major sports (baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and softball). However, UF is still one of the best athletics programs in the nation.
Since Scott Strickland took over the Gators Athletic program in 2016, UF has 11 national titles. Eight of the national championships have come on the men’s side, only one “major” in baseball, while three women’s programs have national titles. Also, under Strickland, the Gators have 16 SEC men’s titles –three in baseball — and 22 women’s conference titles — softball accounts for six of them, with three being regular season titles and three conference tournament crowns.
Golden is the third head coach to face serious allegations under Strickland’s leadership. In 2021, women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer resigned amid accusations he verbally, physically, and mentally abused players and staff members, per The Alligator. Newbauer received a $283,250 buyout.
The head coach [was] accused of making racist remarks, throwing basketballs at players during practices and verbally abusing the team, assistant coaches and trainers.
Then, in 2022, Stricklin fired women’s soccer coach Tony Amato amid an investigation into the coach’s comments and behavior regarding players’ eating habits and body shapes. It was determined that Amato was fired without cause, so UF was on the hook for roughly $1.125 million remaining on his contract.
Florida Has High Expectations In 2024-25
Florida basketball entered the season with high expectations. Golden has the deepest and most talented team since coming to Gainesville this year. The Gators didn’t lose any major contributors from a year ago.
UF was ranked 21st in the preseason rankings, marking the first time the Gators have been ranked prior to the season since 2019-20. The Gators enter their game against Grambling State (1-1) undefeated at 2-0. UF has defeated South Florida (98-83) and Jacksonville (81-60).
2023-24 All-SEC second-team selection Walter Clayton leads four players in double-figures with 19.0 points while adding 5.0 assists. Six-foot-11 forward Alex Condon, a 2023-24 All-SEC Freshman selection, and Will Richard average 18.0 points a contest.
