Gainesville, Fla. (APP) – The University of Florida has cleared men’s basketball coach Todd Golden after a four-month Title IX investigation into allegations of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and stalking.
The school released a statement on Monday saying no evidence was found and ending its investigation. It comes amid No. 5 Florida’s best season in a decade, with the Gators winning 18 of their first 20 games.
“The University of Florida takes these matters seriously and works diligently to ensure that due process is maintained for everyone,” university spokesman Steve Orlando said in a statement. 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 had previously backed off the prospect of denying the charges “out of respect for the process” and threatened legal action, presumably. Against his public unknown charges. It also recently exploded proceedings that are supposed to be secret.
“I’m just disappointed and dismayed that a Title IX mechanism that’s designed to protect both parties during a situation like this — that privacy and confidentiality continues to be abused,” he said. Golden said earlier this month Assistant coach Torin Green was charged with sexual assault in another Title IX case.
The school’s Varsity Athletic Association supported Golden during the investigation and supported his privacy comments after the case was dismissed.
“The UAE acknowledges the completion of the review,” the UAE said in a statement. “We take these matters seriously and understand the need to act with strict confidentiality and discretion.”
“Throughout this process, Coach Golden has shown tremendous focus and professionalism, and we appreciate him for that. As the Gators move forward, we look forward to developing a championship experience with integrity.” confirm the determination of
The complaint against Golden accuses him of sending her photos and videos of Gentalia, making unwanted sexual advances on Instagram and soliciting sexual favors. The Florida Independent first reported the allegations in early November.
Title IX is designed to protect students from discrimination, including sexual harassment. Florida began outsourcing its Title IX investigations in 2023 to Grand River Solutions, a private company based in California.
“The past several months have been a challenge for me and my family as this process drags on,” Golden said in a statement posted on X. Judgment based on allegations. Many people in the UAE and the University have been extremely supportive.
“And thank you to our fans for your incredible support of our players and our program. It has made a huge difference.
Golden, 39, signed a two-year contract extension last March that included a $1 million raise and brought his annual salary up to $4 million. The deal runs through the 2029-30 season. He is 58-31 in three seasons.
His agreement “prohibits the supervision, control and/or supervision, control and/or supervision of any romantic, flirtatious and/or sexual relationship between any coach or other employee of the Association and any student-athlete or other person.” or subject to authority.”
It also states that the university may take disciplinary action if the coach acts in this manner if it has an ‘adverse effect’ or reflects negatively ‘on’ the reputation, mission and/or interests of the athletic department or the university. ‘It happens.
Meanwhile, the case against Sabz is still ongoing. According to a complaint reviewed by ESPN, Green is accused of kissing an athletic department employee and trying to pull down her pants in March 2024.
The woman said she did not report the alleged incident at the time because of Green’s status. Green, who won NCAA championships as a player with the Gators in 2006 and 2007, joins the basketball staff in 2022 after a professional basketball career.
The woman told ESPN that she came forward after Title IX investigators working on Golden’s case asked her to interview him last fall about Golden’s interactions with female athletes. It was said. He said the inquiry made him realize there might be concerns about the pattern of conduct in the program.
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