The pinnacle coach of the nationwide title game-bound Florida Gators, 39-year-old Todd Golden, was earlier this season the topic of a Title IX investigation into his habits after accusations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and stalking.
Florida’s Title IX workplace adjudicated the case in January after a months-long investigation into the allegations, saying it discovered “no proof” he violated Title IX. Nevertheless, whereas the probe didn’t flip up a rechargeable offense, it additionally didn’t fully exonerate the 39-year-old coach.
Its findings as an alternative eradicated a slender scope of the allegations associated to Title IX — habits perpetrated inside a college program or exercise — which raises the chance that the coach of Florida, whose No. 4 Gators have nationwide title aspirations, could also be met with new scrutiny because the highlight of March Insanity begins to shine.
Here’s what we all know concerning the case and the accusations levied towards Florida’s coach as he and his staff transfer on into the Ultimate 4 after defeating Texas Tech 84-79 on Saturday.
Timeline
A proper criticism with the Title IX workplace on the College of Florida towards Golden, probably placing Golden in violation of the varsity’s Gender Fairness Coverage, was filed on Sept. 27, 2024. Within the criticism, made public on Nov. 8, 2024 after the varsity’s scholar newspaper reported on the findings, Golden is alleged to have dedicated sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and stalking.
Golden remained the coach as Florida’s Title IX workplace, an workplace unbiased of the athletics division, carried out an investigation into the allegations over the course of a number of months.
On Jan. 27, 2025, Florida introduced that after dozens of interviews throughout a number of months it “discovered no proof that Todd Golden violated Title IX” and closed the investigation.
Allegations of sexual misconduct
A number of ladies lodged accusations towards Golden of sexual harassment and stalking, per paperwork obtained by The Unbiased Florida Alligator, the varsity’s scholar newspaper. The criticism towards Golden alleges that over the course of a yr, he made undesirable sexual advances on Instagram, requested sexual favors, and despatched photographs and movies of his genitalia whereas touring with Florida, in addition to a number of events of stalking.
The variety of ladies who accused Golden of this habits stays unknown. From The Alligator:
There was allegedly a couple of event through which Golden was taking photographs of ladies strolling or driving and sending these footage to the themes concerned. Varied stalking incidents additionally included Golden displaying as much as areas the place he knew the ladies could be.
On allegedly a couple of event, Golden was participating ladies on Instagram by liking photographs then ready till they learn the DM earlier than un-liking the photographs to keep away from suspicion.
Two ladies spoke with The Alligator about Golden’s habits whereas selecting to stay nameless. The primary girl — a former Florida scholar — claims Golden stalked her in particular person each in his automobile and on foot “greater than 10 instances.” She additionally accused him of sending unsolicited photographs of his genitalia, together with one occasion when the staff was touring on the street.
From The Alligator’s reporting:
“At first, it begins off sluggish, like, ‘Oh, wow. That is odd. This man is displaying us consideration,'” the primary girl mentioned. “After which it turns into, ‘Wow, he is form of crossing a line. No, he did not imply it that manner.’ Then it is, ‘Wait, he is totally stepping over that line.’ After which it is, ‘Wow, there is a image of his d*ck.’ It was a full grooming course of with all of us.”
The second girl, who was additionally a former Florida scholar, claims Golden appreciated Instagram posts in an obvious try to get their consideration earlier than unliking them to keep away from detection. She additionally claims he informed her she was “his drug” or “good luck attraction.”
ESPN reported on Jan. 27 {that a} copy of a letter from the college despatched to a feminine complainant within the case decided there was no proof to point Golden dedicated sexual harassment “inside a college program or exercise,” which is why the varsity needed to dismiss the criticism.
The letter additionally mentioned the college obtained an nameless report naming “a number of probably impacted individuals.”
From ESPN:
Legal professional Karen Truszkowski, who represents a 21-year-old faculty scholar who didn’t attend the College of Florida, mentioned that though the reported habits won’t fall underneath the definition of Title IX, there was “actually proof that there was questionable exercise that occurred” whereas Golden was taking part in a college occasion.
What Golden has mentioned
In November, Golden launched a press release saying he was taking part within the investigation and likewise contemplating defamation claims however didn’t remark additional, citing confidentiality legal guidelines and urging for persistence as the method performed out.
These defamation claims by no means materialized.
When the investigation was closed in late January, he launched a press release thanking the UAA, Florida followers and the college for being supportive all through the method.
Golden’s lawyer, William Shepherd, additionally launched a press release in January after the investigation was closed:
This investigation has discovered no proof to help the allegations towards Coach Golden. The College’s conclusion proves that the criticism was meritless. Coach Golden and I’ve revered the method all through whereas actively participating with the College. Nevertheless, there have been many who didn’t respect the investigative course of. As an alternative, they sought to focus on Coach Golden and drive their agenda and this investigation for their very own self-interest. Some leaked confidential materials to the media; falsely posed as a UF lawyer in an effort to intimidate; harassed UF college students and fogeys to attempt to generate a false narrative; and harassed my shopper, his household, and his pals. Coach Golden appreciates the help he and his program have obtained from so many on the College and from across the nation. Now that that is concluded, Coach can proceed to give attention to the basketball season and take into account his authorized choices within the off season – however now it is time to transfer ahead.
Florida’s historic season
The investigation into Golden’s alleged sexual misconduct this season bubbled whereas Florida — which started the season ranked No. 21 within the AP ballot — has loved historic success on the hardwood.
The staff, which beat Tennessee within the SEC Match championship and defeated Norfolk State, Maryland and Texas Tech to punch a ticket to the Ultimate 4, has amassed 34 wins — third-most in class historical past in a single-season behind 2013-14 (36) and 2006-07 (35).
The Gators defeated No. 3 seed Texas Tech on Sunday to advance into the ultimate weekend of the event for the primary time since 2014.
One other Title IX inquiry
Whereas Golden’s Title IX investigation was nonetheless open this season, a separate Title IX inquiry was opened into Florida assistant and former Gators star Taurean Inexperienced in mid-January. In that case, a Florida athletics division worker filed a sexual assault criticism towards Inexperienced, accusing him of creating undesirable advances towards her.
These advances have been made throughout a gathering arrange by Inexperienced through which he’s accused of attempting to kiss her and put his palms down her pants. She rejected the advances earlier than Inexperienced tried once more earlier than she ultimately bought away.
Inexperienced remains to be with the staff. The investigation stays ongoing.