Todd Golden addresses Taurean Green allegations, Title IV process
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Todd Golden met with media Friday and addressed the allegations against assistant Taurean Green along with the Title IV process. Green has been accused of sexual assault in a complaint filed by a UF athletics department employee, according to a report from ESPN’s Paula Lavigne.
Green allegedly a meeting with the woman — who remained anonymous in the complaint — in the athletic facilities, where he allegedly kissed her and tried to put his hand down her pants, according to the report.
Golden gave the following opening statement:
“I want to start by making a statement about the news that I’m sure everyone has read on Coach Green last night. I simply want to say that I support my staff, and I would suggest people do not rush to judgment based off a headline. For me, 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. So, as frustrating and as disappointing and as hard as it is to do, I am going to do what I think I need to do and continue to respect the process, as I have. As always, I will continue to respect and appreciate the support for my family and our program at this time.”
Golden added that Green will continue to coach the team.
“Yes. Taurean will be with us,” he said.
The allegation against Green is the second Title IV complaint involving the UF men’s basketball program. Golden is still under investigation for alleged Title IX violations that surfaced last November, when he was accused of sexual harassment and stalking.
The two Title IV complaints against Golden and Green this season have impacted the perception of the program nationally and taken some of the focus away from the Gators, who are ranked No. 5 in the nation after starting out 15-1.
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“I don’t like it, but perception is perception. It is not reality,” Golden said. “I am in this program every day. I see how our staff acts. I see how our players act. I am proud of what we’ve done since we’ve got here. And that’s all I can do is keep my head up and keep working.”
Golden was asked Friday if there’s anything he or his staff members have done in the last three years at UF that he’s been ashamed of.
“No,” Golden replied.
The Florida Gators (15-2, 2-2 SEC) return to the court on Saturday against Texas (12-5, 1-3 SEC) in the O’Dome. Tip is at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN 2.
