Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden has made his first statement since it was revealed Friday that he was being investigated in a Title IX inquiry.
Golden has been accused of sexually exploiting, harassing and stalking an “undefined number of women,” as first reported by The Alligator, an independent newspaper at the school.
Golden had kept quiet Friday before making his first public statement on Saturday, which he shared on his personal X account.
“For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry,” he wrote. “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.”
The university reportedly received a Title IX complaint on Sept. 27 that included allegations that he requested sexual favors and sent photos and video of his genitalia to students and former students over the last year via Instagram while traveling on school business, per The Alligator.
One former student alleged she was both stalked by Golden and received unsolicited pictures of his genitalia.
Golden, 39, is married with two children.
“In order to comply with federal law, the university cannot comment on or confirm any Title IX inquiries, complaints, or investigations,” Florida spokesperson Cynthia Roldán Hernández told USA Today in a statement on Friday.
Golden took over the Florida basketball program before the 2022-23 season after three years as San Francisco’s head coach.
He signed a six-year, $18 million deal with the Gators, eventually getting a raise before this season, On3.com reported.
