By Kaitlyn Rodriguez
University of Florida’s (UF) head men’s basketball coach Todd Golden has been accused of sexually harassing and stalking multiple women. The university received a Title IX complaint on Sept. 27 alleging that he was involved in conduct that violated the UF Gender Equity Policy.
The Title IX complaint against Golden was released by the university’s student publication, The Alligator, and it includes allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation, and stalking. It also states that this situation has been going on for over a year toward UF students specifically.
The publication also includes details from two UF students, explaining what occurred with them and Golden.
These claims included “unwanted sexual advances on Instagram,” with Golden requesting sexual favors, sending images and videos of his genitalia, and many occasions of stalking these women.
Allegedly, Golden took photos of these women walking or driving on multiple occasions and then sent them to the subjects. Golden was also supposedly showing up at locations he knew where the subjects would be.
A former UF student stated that Golden stalked her in person while he was both in his car and walking and also said that this happened over 10 times. She also said how Golden sent her many inappropriate pictures on several occasions, and his stalking became more asserted over time.
In the article published by The Alligator, she said, “At first, it starts off slow, like, ‘Oh, wow. That’s odd. This guy is showing us attention. And then it becomes, ‘Wow, he’s kind of crossing a line. No, he didn’t mean it that way.’ Then it’s, ‘Wait, he’s fully stepping over that line.’ And then it’s, ‘Wow, there’s a picture of his d*ck.’ It was a full grooming process with all of us.”
According to some of the women, it started with Golden liking their Instagram posts, sometimes up to 10 posts at once, hoping to get their attention, and he would go back and unlike them all to avoid suspicion. He would then follow up by sending a direct message in vanish mode.
According to Snoopreport, an Instagram tracking software, Golden had unfollowed 118 accounts on the app between Aug. 1 and Sept. 1.
Another woman said Golden told several women that they were “his drug” and “his good luck charm” before games. The woman also stated that he would even message them while the team was traveling to away games.
On Nov. 9, Golden released a statement on X regarding the allegations. The statement came out about 24 hours after The Alligator reported about the harassment and stalking investigation. He did confirm that there is an ongoing investigation and how he will continue to respect the confidentiality of the case.
“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” read the statement.
Golden also said he will not make any further comments on the case to respect privacy and will refer to his statement for any further questions.
Currently, Golden is still coaching for the UF’s men’s basketball team and will continue coaching during the investigation. The team is 4-0 on the season through Nov. 15.
According to a University of Florida spokesperson, UF cannot comment on the investigation and Title IX complaints at this time due to federal law.