Todd Golden urged Florida fans to follow “due process” before adjudicating the allegations leveled against him in a Title IX complaint.
The Gators men's basketball coach, who was on the sidelines during Monday's 86-62 win over Grambling State University, told The Independent that the university is investigating Golden for sexual harassment and allegations of stalking several current and former female students. This was his first public appearance since the Dent Florida Alligator reported.
For female fans in Florida in particular, Golden asked for patience as the investigation progresses.
“Obviously there needs to be due process in this situation and we need to continue to support the players. I just hope they will allow that process to take place and see what happens in the end. I hope,” Golden said after the game. According to the Associated Press.
The Title IX complaint was filed against the basketball coach on September 27, alleging that Golden used Instagram to send photos and videos of his genitals, request sexual favors, and make unwanted sexual advances. He claimed to have gone.
Although the allegations are quite serious, cheers erupted when Golden was introduced during the pregame introductions ahead of Monday's contest.
However, in one video posted on social media, fans could be heard booing as the arena house lights were turned back on.
Golden called the reception he received “amazing” and said he was “grateful” under the circumstances.
“What's personally getting you through this right now?” Golden said. “I respect the situation, my family, my team, my coaching staff. We just continue to attack every day like we always do.”
Golden said he couldn't go into details about the complaint, but praised the staff and players for staying focused on basketball.
The shocking allegations include instances in which Golden allegedly took photos of women, sent them to them, and appeared in locations where he knew the women would be.
Golden is married and the father of two boys.
In a statement over the weekendGolden said he is discussing the defamation claims with his attorney.
