Early this month, the Florida Gators mens basketball coach Todd Golden became immersed in the spotlight, but not for the right reasons. Golden recently has been the center of a Title IX investigation amongst allegations of sexual harassment, stalking, and cyberstalking.[1] The allegations come from various women, including students. The Title IX complaint was filed on September 27, 2024, and was first reported in the university’s student newspaper, The Alligator.[2] In these reports, the allegations include sending inappropriate pictures and videos to women, making unwanted sexual advances on social media, and requesting sexual favors from women.[3]
Some of the allegations against Golden go even further to suggest that he has stalked women in person as well. Allegedly, Golden has shown up to various locations where the women had shared their Instagram accounts, and sending pictures of their vehicles to them to let them know he was near them.[4] Responding to the Title IX allegations, Golden released a statement on X stating:
For the last month I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry. I have recently engaged Ken Turkel to advise me on my ability to bring defamation claims while this confidential investigation is ongoing. My family and I appreciate the support we have received and remain confident the university will continue its efforts to finish its review promptly.[5]
Golden continues to comply with the school’s investigation. Additionally, Golden has contemplated brining defamation claims against the women who have made these allegations.[6]
However, the recent accusations did not stop students from welcoming Golden with open arms back to the court.[7] Notably, all advertisements and public service announcements from the arena referencing Golden have been paused. Golden continues to ask for due process and patience in the process, but he wants to continue his normal duties as the Gators’ head coach.[8]
Florida Gators Athletic Director Scott Stricklin is fairly used to his coaches being in some kind of hot water. In the past three years, Florida Gator head coaches have faced controversy for allegations of inappropriate behavior.[9] In 2021, Stricklin forced out former women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer because of allegations that he verbally, physically, and mentally abused his players and staff members.[10] Shortly after, Stricklin was once again forced to fire women’s soccer coach Tony Amato following an investigation of his comments and behavior towards his female athletes. Specifically, Amato was fired due to the comments he made regarding his players’ eating habits and body shapes.[11]
Will Tom Golden suffer the same fate as previous head coaches at Florida University? Or will he survive these allegations and sue the women involved for defamation? Following the conclusion of the investigation, will Stricklin’s job security be at risk due to his history of inappropriate behavior? It depends.
[1] Florida basketball coach Todd Golden faces Title IX stalking inquiry, ESPN News Services (Nov. 8. 2024) https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/42273078/report-florida-todd-golden-investigated-stalking-allegations.
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] Kellie Cowan, UF men’s basketball coach responds to allegations of stalking women, Fox Tampa Bay (Nov. 11, 2024) https://www.yahoo.com/news/uf-mens-basketball-coach-responds-.
[5] Id.
[6] Florida’s Todd Golden coaches amid inquiry, urges ‘due process’, ESPN News Services (Nov. 11, 2024) https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/42338424/florida-todd-golden-coaches-gators-challenging-days-amid-title-ix-inquiry.
[7] Id.
[8] Id.
[9] Kellie Cowan, UF men’s basketball coach responds to allegations of stalking women, Fox Tampa Bay (Nov. 11, 2024) https://www.yahoo.com/news/uf-mens-basketball-coach-responds-.
[10] Mark Long, Florida basketball coach Todd Golden faces Title IX investigation for sexual harassment: report, AP News (Nov. 8, 2024) https://apnews.com/article/florida-todd-golden-title-ix-allegations-6e17bdf666045aaefaece806135e4658.
[11] Id.
Alex Brockhuizen (’25) is pursuing her JD at the University at Buffalo School of Law, with a concentration in Sports Law. After graduation, she will be working at Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC. At UB, Alex is co-director of the Labor and Employment Law Society and Treasurer of the Buffalo Sports Law and Entertainment Law Society. She is also Business Editor of the Buffalo Law Review, where she was deemed a finalist of the Note and Comment Competition her 2L year. Alex is also a former two-sport athlete at Elmira College.
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