GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden released a statement late Saturday afternoon acknowledging an ongoing school inquiry a day after a report of accusations he stalked and sexually harassed multiple women, including students.

The Gators’ third-year coach also said he’s considering “defamation claims” as he consults with attorney Ken Turkel of Tampa.

“For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry,” Golden wrote on X. “I have recently engaged Ken Turkel to advise me on my ability to bring defamation claims while this confidential investigation is ongoing.

“My family and I appreciate the support we have received and remain confident the university will continue its efforts to finish its review promptly.”

Earlier on Saturday, Golden ran practice after the No. 21 Gators (2-0) took a day off following Thursday night’s 81-60 home win against Jacksonville. He is expected to be on the sidelines when Grambling State visits at the O’Connell Center Monday night.

Golden’s statement comes a day after the school’s Independent Florida Alligator newspaper reported UF’s Title IX office filed a formal complaint on Sept. 27 alleging violations of the university’s Gender Equity Policy.

Golden’s accusers allege he made unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, requested sexual favors and sent photos, imaging videos, of his genitalia while traveling in his duties for the university.

On multiple occasions, the complaint stated, he allegedly took pictures of women walking or driving, photographed their cars and showed up to locations where he knew the women would be.

The Alligator interviewed two women about Golden’s behavior.

Golden, 39 and in his third season at UF, agreed to a two-year contract extension with a $1 million raise in March after he led the Gators to their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2021.

Following the complaint, he coached the Gators during the fall and during wins against USF Nov. 4 and Jacksonville Nov. 7. He is 42-29 at UF.

Golden, a native of Phoenix, is married to Megan York, his college sweetheart from St. Mary’s (Calif.). The couple has two children, a son born in 2016 and daughter in 2018.

The investigation into Golden is the third time since 2021 a Gators coach has been under scrutiny for unacceptable behavior.

Accusations of abuse and racial insensitivity by former Florida women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer in March 2021 led to resignation for personal reasons in July, and just six weeks after he’d agreed to a three-year contract extension.

During the ensuing fallout, UF athletic director Scott Stricklin told a small group of reporters, “We failed in this situation.”

In April 2022, Stricklin then fired women’s soccer coach Tony Amato after just one season for reportedly pressuring players about their eating habits and weight.

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