GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — After four “challenging” days, Florida basketball coach Todd Golden welcomed the reception he got when he took the court Monday night. Golden received a rousing ovation, one of the loudest of the night, during pregame introductions before the 20th-ranked Gators beat Grambling State 86-62 .
“I thought it was great," Golden said. "I thought (fans) were as usual, and obviously during the current circumstances, I appreciate it.” It was Golden’s first public appearance since he acknowledged an ongoing school inquiry into sexual harassment and stalking allegations .
Golden previously said he is considering “defamation claims," presumably against his accusers. The 39-year-old Golden shook hands with his assistants and got several hugs from players as well as Grambling State coach Donte’ Jackson. Golden’s wife, Megan, and their two children sat behind the bench.
One difference hardly anyone noticed: advertisements and public service announcements involving the coach were removed from video boards inside the O’Connell Center. The Independent Florida Alligator reported Friday the university was investigating Golden for allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking and cyberstalking multiple women, including students. According to the student-run newspaper, the claims include unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, requesting sexual favors and sending photos and videos of his genitalia.
The newspaper based its report on a Tit.