The University of Florida is facing a serious situation as head men’s basketball coach Todd Golden has been accused of sexual harassment and stalking by an unknown number of women. The allegations came to light in a Title IX complaint filed on September 27, with the women claiming that Golden followed them both on foot and in his car, sent inappropriate messages on social media, and even sent explicit pictures and videos of himself while asking for sexual favors.
According to one of the women who spoke to the university’s student newspaper, the behavior started off as seemingly innocent attention but quickly escalated into uncomfortable and inappropriate actions. She described a pattern of behavior where Golden would aggressively stalk them on Instagram, sending multiple messages and photos in a manipulative and grooming manner.
Another woman mentioned that Golden used a copy-paste tactic, sending the same inappropriate content to multiple women, indicating a disturbing pattern of behavior. Both women also alleged that members of the university were aware of Golden’s actions and complicit in allowing a culture of sexual harassment to exist within the coaching staff.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, a university spokesperson declined to comment on any Title IX inquiries, complaints, or investigations in order to comply with federal law. The women who came forward expressed frustration and disgust at the behavior of the coaching staff, suggesting that there may be a larger issue at play within the organization.
Golden, who took over as head coach of the Florida Gators in 2022, has led the team to a successful start to the season, with two wins in their first two games. However, the allegations against him have cast a shadow over the program, raising questions about the culture within the coaching staff and the university as a whole.
The situation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the university will address the allegations and what steps will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the students. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing sexual harassment in all its forms, especially in environments where power dynamics can be exploited.