Florida men's basketball coach Todd Golden accused of sexual harassment in Title IX complaint: report

Florida men's basketball coach Todd Golden is the subject of a Title IX complaint accusing him of sexual harassment, including sending explicit photos of himself while traveling for the Gators, according to a report in the university's student newspaper Friday emerges.

Golden said in a statement Saturday that he participated in the school's investigation while maintaining its confidentiality. “My family and I appreciate the support we have received and remain confident that the university will continue its efforts to complete its review expeditiously,” Golden said in a statement. Golden also said he has retained attorney Ken Turkel about a possible defamation lawsuit. Turkel declined to comment Saturday evening.

Golden, 39, has coached the No. 21 Gators to their 2-0 start this season, including a 21-point win over Jacksonville on Thursday night. Florida is next scheduled to play Grambling State at home on Monday.

Golden took over the Gators after three years in San Francisco. He is 42-29 in two-plus seasons. He led Florida to the NCAA Tournament and the SEC Tournament championship game last season.

In March, Golden signed a new contract that included a raise and a two-year extension through the 2029-30 season.

The allegations are the latest off-field scandal to hit Florida under athletic director Scott Stricklin. In 2021, women's basketball coach Cameron Newbauer resigned amid concerns about his behavior and treatment of players and others. In 2022, women's soccer coach Tony Amato was fired after a report accused him of making inappropriate comments to female players about their eating habits.

(Photo: Eakin Howard/Getty Images)