Florida dismisses Title IX investigation into Todd Golden

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida has dismissed the Title IX investigation into Gators men’s basketball coach Todd Golden, his attorney William Shepherd said in a statement Monday.

Golden had been under investigation for alleged Title IX violations that surfaced last November, when he was accused of sexual harassment and stalking.

Below is the statement from Shepherd, which was first reported by Jon Rothstein.

Todd Golden cleared in Title IX investigation

“The University of Florida informed me that the Title IX investigation into Coach Todd Golden has finally been dismissed. This investigation has found no evidence to support the allegations against Coach Golden. The University’s conclusion proves that the complaint was meritless.

“Coach Golden and I have respected the process throughout while actively engaging with the University. However, there were many who did not respect the investigative process. Instead, they sought to target Coach Golden and drive their agenda and this investigation for their own self-interest. Some leaked confidential material to the media; falsely posed as a UF lawyer in an effort to intimidate; harassed UF students and parents to try to generate a false narrative; and harassed my client, his family, and his friends.

“Coach Golden appreciates the support he and his program have received from so many at the University and from around the country. Now that this is concluded, Coach can continue to focus on the basketball season and consider his legal options in the off season – but now it’s time to move forward.”

Statements from Todd Golden and the UAA

Golden released a statement on X after the investigation was officially closed.

“The last several months have been a challenge for my family and me while this process dragged on,” Golden said. “We asked for the public to allow the process to work through to its conclusion and not rush to judgement based on allegations. The UAA and so many at the University have been tremendously supportive – my family and I are extremely grateful.

“And thank you to our fans for your incredible support for our players and our program. It has made a huge difference.”

The University Athletic Association also issued a response to the news Monday.

“The UAA acknowledges the completion of the review. We take these matters seriously and understand the need for the process to be conducted with strict confidentiality and discretion,” a UAA spokesperson said.

“Throughout this process Coach Golden has demonstrated tremendous focus and professionalism, and we commend him for that. As the Gators move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting a championship experience with integrity.”

Golden has a top-five Florida team in Year 3

Golden, 39, is in his third season at Florida and has a 58-31 record so far, including an 18-2 mark this year. He led the Gators to 24 wins last season, the program’s most since 2016-17, including their first SEC Tournament championship game since 2014 and their first NCAA Tournament in three years.

Florida’s 18-2 record features a 73-43 win over No. 1 Tennessee and matches the team’s best start through 20 games in school history. UF is ranked in the top five of the AP poll for the first time since 2017-18.

The Gators are coming off an 89-59 win over Georgia on Saturday. It was the program’s 12 straight victory against the Bulldogs, the longest streak in series history and tied for UF’s second-longest vs. any SEC opponent.

It also marked Florida’s fifth win this season by 30-plus points and second in SEC play. The Gators have a week off before returning to the court on Saturday for their rematch at No. 6 Tennessee. Tip is at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN.