Florida coach Todd Golden urges ‘due process’ during investigation

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After four “challenging” days, Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden was pleased with the reception he received on the court Monday night.

Golden received a rousing ovation during pregame introductions, one of the loudest of the night, before the 20th-ranked Gators defeated Grambling State 86-62.

“I thought it was great,” Golden said. “I thought [fans] were as always, and given the current circumstances I certainly appreciate that.

It was Golden’s first public appearance since acknowledging an ongoing school investigation into sexual harassment and stalking allegations. Golden previously said he was considering “assault allegations.”

Golden, 39, shook hands with his assistants and received several hugs from players as well as Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson. Golden’s wife, Megan, and their two young sons sat behind the bench.

Advertisements and public service announcements involving the coach were removed from the video boards at the O’Connell Center.

The Independent Florida Alligator reported Friday that the university is investigating Golden over allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking and cyberstalking by several women, including students.

According to the student-run newspaper, the allegations include unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, asking for sexual favors and sending photos and videos of his genitals. The newspaper based its report on a Title IX complaint filed against Golden on September 27.

“What makes me personally want to go through this right now?” Golden said. “I respect the situation, my family, my team, my coaching staff. We’ll just keep attacking like we normally would every day.”

When asked what he would say to female fans, Golden asked for patience.

“Obviously in this situation there is a need for due process and continuing to support the guys and I would just hope that they allow the process to go through and see where it ends,” he said.

On more than one occasion, the newspaper says, Golden allegedly took photos of women walking or driving and sent those images to the people involved. The alleged stalking incidents included Golden showing up at locations where he knew the women would be.

“Here too, I know what’s going on. I know the situation,” Golden said. “Our employees have done a great job. Our boys did a good job. We’ve spent a lot of time together over the last few days and we continue to prepare for what lies ahead, which is this game tonight and what will be Florida State on Friday.

The Gators (3-0) responded with their best first half of the season against Grambling State (1-2). Five players scored in double figures, led by Rueben Chinyelu with a career-high 14 points. Golden said her performance was expected.

“I think they know who I am and they’re mature,” Golden said. “They’re all really good guys and they’re all very focused. We had really good training sessions. We had a great shootout and I thought they were all really stuck. I felt like we were going to play really well.”