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Todd Golden issues statement after being cleared in Title IX investigation
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Todd Golden was cleared by the University of Florida of wrongdoing on Monday following a Title IX investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and stalking. In a statement shortly after the news was announced, Golden said he was “extremely grateful” for the support he received from UF and from Gator fans throughout the investigation.
“The last several months have been a challenge for my family and me while this process dragged on,” he said in a statement. “We asked for the public to allow the process to work through to its conclusion and not rush to judgment based on allegations. The UAA and so many at the University have been tremendously supportive — my family and I are extremely grateful. And thank you to our fans for your incredible support for our players and our program. It has made a huge difference.”
The investigation into Golden began following a formal complaint to UF’s Title IX office on Sept. 27. It alleged Golden had violated the university’s Gender Equity Policy and accused him of sexually harassing and stalking UF students for over a year.
Florida’s investigation concluded the complaint was meritless.
“After a thorough investigation that included dozens of interviews over the past months, the University of Florida has found no evidence that Todd Golden violated Title IX,” UF spokesperson Steve Orlando said in a statement provided to The Orlando Sentinel. “The Title IX office has closed its investigation.”
Golden’s attorney said in a statement on Monday that the head coach was turning his full focus back to basketball and would consider his legal options in the offseason. After a separate Title IX investigation into one of his assistants was made public, Golden slammed the process in a press conference, saying that he was “frustrated and disappointed” that a process designed to protect confidentiality and privacy was disrupted by leaks. The statement from Golden’s attorney on Monday echoed those same concerns.
Florida, meanwhile, is in the midst of one of its best starts to a college basketball season in years. The Gators have spent more than a month inside the AP Top 10, opening the 2024-25 season with 18 wins in 20 games. They currently sit third in the SEC standings and are coming off an 89-59 win over Georgia at home last Saturday.
Florida faces Tennessee on the road on Saturday, Feb. 1. The Gators’ next home game will be against Vanderbilt on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
