On Friday, a bombshell story dropped that Florida Basketball coach Todd Golden was the subject of an ongoing Title IX investigation that alleged stalking and sexual harassment of two now-former Florida students.
While Golden and the university are limited in what they are allowed to say, Golden did release a statement in repose to the allegations.
Florida Basketball: Golden Responds
Posting to his personal account on X, Golden acknowledged there is an ongoing investigation but also hinted he plans to file a defamation lawsuit.
"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."Todd Golden
— Todd Golden (@CoachToddGolden) November 9, 2024
The investigation came to light after the student-run newspaper The Independent Florida Aligator, which is not officially affiliated with the University of Florida, ran a story detailing the investigation.
Among things the article highlighted were:
"The claims regarding sexual harassment, which could also include sexual exploitation, cited unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, requesting sexual favors, sending photos and videos of his genitalia while traveling for UF and various occasions of stalking. There was allegedly more than one occasion in which Golden was taking photos of women walking or driving and sending those pictures to the subjects involved. Various stalking incidents also included Golden showing up to locations where he knew the women would be."
Golden came to Florida in 2022 and is in his third season as Florida's head coach. The Gators made the tournament last season and are 2-0 to start this season.
Florida plays Grambling State on Monday.