At a time where student journalism is more important than ever, the University of Florida’s own student paper, The Independent Florida Alligator, broke a damning story on the university’s men’s basketball coach, Todd Golden.
A year and change after Northwestern’s student newspaper was lauded for breaking the hazing story related to the football program, students at UF dug deeper. According to Title IX documents obtained by The Alligator, Golden has been accused by an undisclosed number of women for sexual harassment and stalking.
The University of Florida formally received a Title IX complaint on September 27, accusing Golden of violating the institution’s Gender Equity Policy. This complaint, according to The Alligator, includes claims of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking.
Among the allegations are incidents of Golden allegedly sending explicit photos and videos while traveling for the university, as well as other forms of unwanted sexual advances.
Two women confirmed the misconduct, with one alleging Golden followed her “more than 10 times” on foot and by car and repeatedly sent unsolicited sexual images.
The report also suggests a potential broader issue within Florida’s coaching staff, noting that Special Assistant Ralphie Ferrari and Director of Basketball Strategy and Analytics Jonathan Safir were reportedly aware of Golden’s behavior.
The Alligator’s diligent reporting has garnered praise across journalism and sports media circles, with many seeing it as a testament to the importance of student journalism.
Student newspapers are continuously the first ones to uncover and report on these types of significant, serious stories on college campuses and in college sports.
Shoutout student journalists. https://t.co/s8sL0YF6ui
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) November 8, 2024
Florida coach Todd Golden has been accused of some pretty serious/ugly stuff by multiple women, according to @alligatorSports. Impressive reporting by Jack Meyer and Max Tucker. https://t.co/OrzSmQtN7S
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) November 8, 2024
You guys did a great job with handling this story. Well done.
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) November 8, 2024
Student journalism.
One of the most important resources we have. Outstanding job by the @alligatorSports staff. https://t.co/Ykrrz1C6og
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) November 8, 2024
Support your local paper.
Support student journalism. https://t.co/onbnjYDufG
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) November 8, 2024
Incredibly disturbing story. Student journalism matters https://t.co/lbyJHWWDaV
— Ben Portnoy (@bportnoy15) November 8, 2024
Really good reporting by the student newspaper here. The details are deeply concerning. https://t.co/6HrONTz93L
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) November 8, 2024
Florida’s student newspaper the first to detail sexual harassment and stalking accusations against head men’s basketball coach Todd Golden. @jackmeyerUF and @Max_Tuckr1 on the story with high level reporting. Credit to them. https://t.co/wNbAwMw58o
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) November 8, 2024
Excellent work by Florida’s student journalists to break this story https://t.co/TMu4aXRMvh
— Matt Baker (@MattBakerCFB) November 8, 2024
Incredible reporting by UF’s student newspaper, on allegations of sexual harassment and stalking against Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden: https://t.co/AFU4b6r0TN
— Brendan Marks (@BrendanRMarks) November 8, 2024
