Florida basketball coach Todd Golden accused of sexual harassment by students, report says

Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden has been accused of sexual harassment by several female students, according to a report Friday by the school’s student newspaper.

The Independent Alligator is reporting that an “undefined” number of women filed a formal Title IX complaint with the university on Sept. 27, accusing him of conduct that could violate the school’s gender equity policy. The complaint alleges that over the course of a year, the 39-year-old Golden — who is married — engaged in behavior that could be defined as stalking and sexual exploitation.

According to the report, Golden allegedly sent photos and videos of his genitalia to women, made unwanted sexual advances via Instagram and requested sexual favors. He is also accused of taking photos of women without their consent and then sending the pictures to them, and “showing up to locations where he knew the women would be.”

The university cited federal law in refusing to either confirm or deny the existence of a Title IX complaint, though The Alligator reports that it obtained documents from the case and quoted two of Golden’s accusers in its story. The school’s athletic department has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.

Golden is in his third season at Florida, which is 2-0 after an 81-60 win over Jacksonville on Thursday night. The Gators went 24-12 and reached the NCAA tournament in 2023-24, and next play Monday at home vs. Grambling State.