Florida Basketball Coach Cleared in Title IX Investigation Amid Team’s Success

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida has cleared men’s basketball coach Todd Golden of allegations of sexual exploitation, harassment, and stalking following a four-month investigation. The announcement came Monday as the No. 5-ranked Gators enjoy their best season in a decade, with an 18-2 record.

“The University of Florida takes these matters seriously and works deliberately to ensure that due process is upheld for everyone,” said university spokesman Steve Orlando. “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. The Title IX office has closed its investigation.”

Golden, who had previously refrained from publicly denying the allegations out of respect for the process, expressed frustration over the breach of confidentiality in Title IX proceedings. “I am just frustrated and disappointed that a Title IX mechanism that is created to protect both sides during a situation like this — that confidentiality and privacy continues to be abused,” Golden said earlier this month.

The University Athletic Association (UAA) supported Golden throughout the investigation, praising his professionalism. “Throughout this process, Coach Golden has demonstrated tremendous focus and professionalism, and we commend him for that,” the UAA said in a statement. “As the Gators move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting a championship experience with integrity.”

The allegations against Golden, which included claims of sending explicit photos and making unwanted advances on social media, were investigated by Grand River Solutions, a California-based firm hired by Florida in 2023 to handle Title IX cases. Golden, 39, signed a two-year contract extension last March, increasing his annual salary to $4 million through the 2029-30 season.

Meanwhile, a separate Title IX case involving assistant coach Taurean Green remains ongoing. Green, a former Gators player and two-time NCAA champion, is accused of sexual misconduct by an athletic department employee. The woman alleges that Green kissed her and attempted to put his hand down her pants during a meeting in March 2024. She reported the incident in January after being interviewed as part of the Golden investigation.

Golden and Green have both emphasized their commitment to due process and confidentiality. “We want people to understand that we are going through the process,” Golden said. The Gators, currently ranked third in the SEC, continue their season with high expectations as the university navigates the fallout from these investigations.