佛罗里达篮球教练托德· Golden承认学校调查，并考虑诽谤诉讼。

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA. Florida basketball coach Todd Golden acknowledged an ongoing school inquiry on Saturday and said he is considering “defamation claims” against his accusers. He said he has been actively participating in and respecting the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry for the last month. He also said he recently hired a lawyer to advise him on his ability to bring defamation claims while the confidential investigation is ongoing. The family appreciates the support they have received and remains confident that the university will continue its efforts to complete its review promptly. This statement came one day after the Independent Florida Alligator reported that the university was investigating Golden for allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking and cyberstalking multiple women, including students. The complaint includes unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, requesting sexual favors and sending photos and videos of his genitalia. The newspaper based its report on a Title IX complaint filed against Golden on September 27th.

Golden led Florida’s on-campus practice on Saturday in preparation for Monday night’s home game against Grambling State. He is expected to coach the 21st-ranked Gators (2-0) in that one. The Associated Press requested a copy of the complaint from the university, but schools cannot comment on or even confirm any Title IX inquiries, complaints or investigations.

Golden is 42-29 in two-plus seasons in Gainesville and has his deepest and most-talented roster in his three years as head coach. This is the third set of serious allegations against a head coach during athletic director Scott Stricklin’s eight-year tenure.

Stricklin allowed women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer to resign in 2021 amid allegations he verbally, physically and mentally abused players and staff members. He received a $283,250 buyout that was paid in installments. Less than a year later, Stricklin fired women’s soccer coach Tony Amato amid an investigation into the coach’s comments and behavior regarding players’ eating habits and body shapes. Amato was fired without cause one year into a six-year contract, leaving the Gators on the hook for approximately $1.125 million.

Golden’s contract extension was signed in March and includes a $1 million raise, bringing his annual salary to $4 million. He is under contract through 2030.

In conclusion, Golden is currently facing serious allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking and cyberstalking from multiple women, including students. This has caused controversy at the university and has put him under fire from his athletic director. He is expected to continue coaching the Gators for now, but there is no guarantee that he will remain on as head coach in the future.