Todd Golden publicly addresses media for first time amid stalking, sexual harassment allegations

Todd Golden opened up Florida‘s postgame press conference after defeating Grambling 86-62 on Monday night by addressing his ongoing Title IX investigation.

He kept his statement brief following the win.

“I kind of expressed my statement on Saturday and obviously would love to be able to give you more, but that’s all I can give at this moment,” Golden said. “And so, any questions in regards to the ongoing inquiry, I’m just going to refer you to my statement on Saturday. I apologize that I cannot comment more than that.”

Golden’s initial statement came after The Alligator, Florida’s independent student newspaper, published a report that included allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking aimed at Florida students over a year’s span. These allegations specifically include reports of unwanted sexual advances on social media, requesting sexual favors, sending photos and videos “of his genitalia while traveling for UF,” and more.

“For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry,” Golden wrote in his initial statement. “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.”

Specific allegations were made against Golden, including going to locations where he knew the women he made sexual advances to were going to be. One Florida student told The Alligator that Golden stalked her both on foot and in his car upwards of 10 times.

The report also made note of Golden’s activity on social media, particularly Instagram. Golden is reported to have unfollowed over 100 accounts between Aug. 1 and Sept. 1 of this year. Roughly 20 of those accounts were described to belong to “young women without connection to the Florida basketball program, or any other organizations that Golden has previously affiliated with.”

As Florida continues to investigate the matter behind the scenes, Golden has remained at the helm of the Gators’ men’s basketball program. Florida is 3-0 after Monday night and ranked No. 20 in the most recent AP Top 25 poll.

On3’s Thomas Goldkamp and Andrew Graham contributed to this report.