The University of Florida has cleared men’s basketball coach Todd Golden following a four-month Title IX investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking.
The school released a statement Monday saying no evidence was found and ended its investigation. It comes amid No. 5 Florida’s best season in a decade, with the Gators having won 18 of their first 20 games.
“The University of Florida takes these matters seriously and works deliberately to ensure that due process is upheld for everyone,” university spokesman Steve Orlando said in a statement. “After a thorough investigation that included dozens of interviews over the past months, the University of Florida has found no evidence that Todd Golden violated Title IX. The Title IX office has closed its investigation.”
Golden previously sidestepped chances to deny the allegations “out of the respect to the process” and threatened legal action, presumably against his publicly unnamed accusers. He also recently ripped proceedings that are supposed to be confidential.
“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
after assistant coach Taurean Green was accused of sexual assault in another Title IX case.
The school’s University Athletic Association supported Golden throughout the investigation and backed his confidentiality comment following the case’s dismissal.
“The UAA acknowledges the completion of the review,” the UAA said in a statement. “We take these matters seriously and understand the need for the process to be conducted with strict confidentiality and discretion.
“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.”
