Florida basketball coach accused of sexual harassment, stalking of students: report

The University of Florida has reportedly been hit by a Title IX complaint in which an unknown number of women have accused men's head basketball coach Todd Golden of sexual harassment and stalking.

The university's student newspaper says the school was affected by the complaint on September 27 and that the alleged incidents targeted students at the school.

Golden is said to have followed students on foot and in his car, as well as sending messages on social media, sending pictures and videos of his private parts and asking for sexual favors.

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“At first it starts slow and goes, ‘Oh, wow. That's strange. This guy is paying attention to us,'” one woman told the newspaper. “And then it becomes like, ‘Wow, he’s kind of crossing a line. No, he didn't mean it like that.' Then it's like, “Wait, he's completely crossing that line.” And then it's like, “Wow, there's a picture of his ass.” It was a comprehensive grooming process for all of us.

“He would put in so much effort,” the woman added. “He went back, like a year ago, and liked ten photos at once. Then, of course, [he] followed by a DM, always in disappearing mode. . . . Just really aggressive Instagram stalking is the best way to put it.”

“He just used this manipulation tactic on everyone,” another woman said. “And he sent us all the same shit. It was copy-paste for every girl.”

Head coach Todd Golden of the Florida Gators reacts during the second half of a game against the Auburn Tigers at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on February 10, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)

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In a request for comment, a university spokesperson said the school “cannot comment on or confirm” any Title IX inquiries, complaints or investigations “in order to comply with federal law.”

Both women who spoke to the newspaper say members of the university were complicit and aware of Golden's behavior, and also said there was a culture of sexual harassment on the coaching staff.

“I think it's just a bad joke that they're all doing within this organization, all the coaches,” one of the alleged victims said. “They'll probably get away with showing each other the pictures.

Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden watches against the Jacksonville Dolphins during the second half at Exactech Arena in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. (Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

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The Gators, ranked No. 21 in the AP polls, have won each of their first two games of the season. Golden arrived in Florida in 2022 after coaching San Francisco for the past three seasons.

The Gators lost to Colorado in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season.

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