Amidst investigation, Florida Basketball keeps things normal against Grambling State
News broke on Friday that Florida Basketball coach Todd Golden was the subject of a Title IX investigation. The Independent Florida Alligator dropped a detailed story that highlights accusations of stalking and sexual harassment from a complaint that was filed in September.
As the investigation is ongoing, the University of Florida released a statement about their intentions with Golden for the time being.
Florida Basketball: 2-0
The statement from the university was simple, but a spokesperson simply said, "Todd Golden's status as UF men's basketball coach has not changed. He will be coaching the game Monday night."
Given this is a Title IX investigation, all parties involved are limited in what they can say. Golden released a statement himself on X on Saturday that said, "For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry. "I have recently engaged 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.”
Amidst that backdrop, the Gators will take on Grambling State at home at 7 PM tonight. The Tigers are 1-1 on the season, but gave 24th ranked Ole Miss all they could handle last week. Grambling State took them to the wire before falling short 66-64.
One area the Gators hope to exploit that prevented Grambling State from pulling off the upset is turnovers. The Tigers committed a turnover of 29% of their possessions against Ole Miss, which is currently the third-worst rate in the country. Florida, meanwhile, has been forcing turnovers on the defensive side 19% of the time, good for the 64th-best rate in the country.
Grambling State also only had an assist on 47% of their made baskets against Ole Miss, so look for a lot of isolation moments for Florida to defend.