GAINESVILLE, FL — Todd Golden, the head coach of the University of Florida’s men’s basketball team, is facing serious allegations of sexual exploitation, harassment, and stalking, according to a bombshell report from the Independent Florida Alligator, the student newspaper at the university. The allegations come from multiple women who claim Golden used social media to engage in inappropriate and harassing behavior.
The accusations, which are detailed in a formal Title IX complaint filed with the university, allege that Golden repeatedly stalked women, sent unsolicited explicit photos, and made sexually suggestive comments while leveraging his position as a prominent coach. One woman, who spoke to the Alligator on the condition of anonymity, detailed disturbing incidents in which Golden allegedly showed up at locations where she had posted on social media, claiming he was “waiting for [her]” in the area. According to the former student, this behavior occurred more than 10 times.
In addition to the stalking claims, the woman described how Golden allegedly sent explicit photos of his genitals through Instagram, including during his team’s travel for official events. These photos, she said, were sent unsolicited and in the context of what she characterized as a “grooming process,” which started with casual attention but escalated to more aggressive and inappropriate actions.
“He would go at such lengths about it,” the woman told the Alligator. “He would go back, like a year back, and like 10 photos at once. Then, obviously, he would follow up with a DM, always in vanish mode… Just really aggressive Instagram stalking is the best way to put it.”
In another troubling account, a second woman accused Golden of manipulating social media engagement by liking several of her Instagram posts before removing the likes, a tactic she believed was intended to hide his actions.
According to the Alligator, the formal Title IX complaint was filed with the University of Florida on September 27, 2024. The university, in response to inquiries, stated that it was in compliance with federal law and could not confirm or comment on specific Title IX investigations. The school’s athletic department and coaching staff have not yet issued a public statement in response to the allegations.
Golden, 39, was hired as Florida’s head basketball coach in 2022, after leading the University of San Francisco’s basketball program for three seasons. His hiring was seen as a promising move for the program, but these new allegations have cast a shadow over his tenure.
The Alligator also reports that other women have come forward with similar stories, including instances where Golden allegedly took photos of women while they were walking or driving and sent those images to others involved in the complaint. The repeated nature of these actions, as described by the women, paints a picture of ongoing and deliberate harassment.
The university’s handling of the complaint is likely to be under scrutiny in the coming weeks, particularly given the high profile of Golden’s position within the athletics department. As of now, no formal disciplinary action has been announced by the university.
As this investigation continues, the University of Florida community is left grappling with the gravity of the allegations and what they may mean for the future of the men’s basketball program.
Update:
This story is still developing, and further details will be provided as more information becomes available.