UF basketball coach acknowledges school investigation, considers defamation lawsuit

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida basketball coach Todd Golden acknowledged an ongoing school investigation Saturday and said he is considering “allegations of defamation,” likely against his accusers.

“Over the past month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school investigation,” Golden said in a statement on while this confidential investigation is still ongoing.

“My family and I appreciate the support we have received and remain confident that the university will continue its efforts to complete the review quickly.”

Golden’s statement came a day after the Independent Florida Alligator reported that the university was investigating Golden over allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking and cyberstalking of multiple women, including students.

According to the student-run newspaper, the claims included making unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, soliciting sexual favors and sending him photos and videos of his genitals. The newspaper based its report on a Title IX complaint filed against Golden on September 27.

Golden led practice on Florida’s campus on Saturday in preparation for Monday night’s home game against Grambling State. Golden is expected to coach the 21st-ranked Gators (2-0) in it.

The Associated Press has asked the university for a copy of the complaint. Under federal law, schools cannot comment on or even confirm Title IX inquiries, complaints or investigations.

On more than one occasion, the newspaper said, Golden allegedly took photos of women walking or driving and sent those photos to the individuals involved. The alleged stalking incidents also included Golden, a married father of two young boys, showing up at locations where he knew the women would be.

Golden, 39, signed a two-year contract extension in March that included a $1 million raise, bringing his annual salary to $4 million. The deal means Golden is under contract until 2030.

Golden is 42-29 in two-plus seasons in Gainesville and has its deepest and most talented roster in his three years.

This is the third set of serious allegations against a head coach during athletic director Scott Stricklin’s eight-year tenure.

Stricklin had women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer resign in 2021 amid allegations that he verbally, physically and mentally abused players and staff. Newbauer received a $283,250 buyout, which was paid in installments.

Less than a year later, Stricklin fired women’s soccer coach Tony Amato during an investigation into the coach’s comments and behavior regarding players’ eating habits and body shapes. Amato was fired without cause one year into a six-year contract, leaving the Gators on the hook for approximately $1.125 million.

Stricklin is also under fire for two NCAA investigations: the first in 2020 put the Gators on probation for the first time in 30 years and led to a show case for then-football coach Dan Mullen; the second involved former quarterback signee Jaden Rashada and a failed name, image and likeness worth nearly $14 million. Rashada is now suing Florida football coach Billy Napier and a prominent booster.