The University of Florida has cleared men’s head basketball coach Todd Golden after a Title IX investigation found no evidence to support allegations of stalking and sexual harassment.
William Shepherd, Golden’s lawyer, released a statement to Matt Norlander of CBS Sports earlier today.
“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.”
UF’s student-run newspaper, The Alligator, reported in November that the school’s Title IX office received a formal complaint on Sept. 27, alleging that Golden had engaged in conduct that could violate the UF Gender Equity Policy.
The complaint accused the 39-year-old Golden of stalking and cyberstalking.
The school stood by Golden, who wasn’t disciplined and released a statement to his social media account.
“For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry,” Golden wrote on X back in November. “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.”
Florida (18-2 straight up, 14-6 against the spread) has won three games in a row while going 2-1 ATS, including Saturday’s 89-59 win over Georgia as an 11-point home favorite. The Gators improved to 5-2 in SEC play.
They’re ranked #5 in the NET rankings, compiling a 4-2 record in Quad-1 games and a 5-0 mark versus Quad-2 opponents.
UF is ranked #5 at KenPom, posting a 9-2 record against Top-100 foes.
FanDuel has the Gators with 17/1 odds to win their third national championship in program history. Those are the seventh-shortest odds on the board. Duke and Auburn are the +430 co-favorites.
UF has a full week of rest before playing at Tennessee on Saturday at noon Eastern. The Volunteers will be looking to avenge a 73-43 loss in Gainesville on Jan. 7.