UF Basketball Coach Faces Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Stalking
University of Florida men’s basketball head coach Todd Golden faces serious allegations of sexual harassment and stalking, according to Title IX documents obtained by The Independent Florida Alligator. The formal complaint, filed on Sept. 27, accuses Golden of multiple incidents of inappropriate behavior toward female students over the past year, reportedly violating the university’s Gender Equity Policy.
The allegations include sexual exploitation, harassment, and stalking, with specific claims that Golden sent explicit photos and videos, made unwanted sexual advances on social media, requested sexual favors, and repeatedly engaged in behaviors that distressed the women involved. Two former students anonymously shared their experiences with The Alligator, describing persistent harassment from Golden, including unwelcome messages, social media interactions, and physical stalking.
One woman reported that Golden liked her Instagram posts extensively, then sent direct messages using “vanish mode,” before removing the likes to cover his tracks. Another woman described similar behavior, noting that Golden would revisit and like old photos to gain her attention. She recalled Golden calling her “his good luck charm” and “his drug” in an attempt to manipulate her. Both women said they were blocked by Golden on social media after UF’s investigation into his behavior began in August.
The Alligator’s investigation also revealed that Golden unfollowed at least 118 accounts on Instagram within a month, many of which belonged to young women unrelated to the Florida basketball program. Both women interviewed alleged that the misconduct extended beyond Golden, implicating other staff members, such as Special Assistant Ralphie Ferrari and Director of Basketball Strategy and Analytics Jonathan Safir, who reportedly were aware of Golden’s actions but did not intervene.
In response to inquiries, UF stated that it cannot publicly discuss ongoing Title IX cases due to legal confidentiality obligations.
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