Report: Florida's Todd Golden facing Title IX stalking probe

ByABC News
November 8, 2024, 4:49 PM

Florida Gators men's basketball coach Todd Golden is the subject of a Title IX investigation following allegations of sexual harassment and stalking, the university's independent student newspaper reported Friday.

Florida received a formal Title IX complaint against Golden on Sept. 27 that includes allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking, The Alligator first reported.

Golden aimed these behaviors toward Florida students and former Florida students, according to the Title IX complaint, which was sent anonymously to Gainesville media outlets, including WCJB TV20, and later obtained by ESPN.

University spokeswoman Cynthia Roldan Hernandez refused a request Friday to provide a copy of the complaint and declined to answer any questions about Golden.

The Title IX complaint includes allegations that Golden sent photos and videos of his genitalia, made unwanted sexual advances on Instagram and requested sexual favors.

Golden also allegedly took photos of women walking or driving -- or their cars in various locations -- and then sent those photos to the subjects of the photos. He also allegedly showed up to locations where he knew the women would be, according to the Title IX complaint.

Florida hired Golden in 2022 to replace Mike White, initially giving him a six-year, $18 million contract. Golden and the school agreed last March to a two-year extension, tying him to the school through the 2029-30 season.

Prior to arriving at Florida, Golden had previously spent three seasons as the head coach of San Francisco, leading the Dons to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1998. Golden was also an assistant under Kyle Smith at USF for three seasons after two seasons apiece at Auburn and Columbia.