Golden responds to Title IX inquiry

Todd Golden (Gator Bait Photo by Chris Spears)

Todd Golden has responded to serious allegations of sexual misconduct documented in a Title IX complaint and published by the Independent Florida Alligator student newspaper.

In a statement published on Twitter, Golden said:

“For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry. 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.”

The Title IX allegations are serious, that, if true, would be the end of Golden’s career. True or not, the allegations alone are an embarrassment to Golden and the University of Florida. The University of Florida’s response is that it cannot comment on ongoing investigations.

It should be noted that the complaint was filed on September 27 and Golden has neither been fired nor suspended. Instead he has continued to coach the Gators (2-0), who go after their third win of the season Monday night at the O-Dome against Grambling.

By hiring Ken Turkel, Golden has taken off the gloves and is fighting back against the allegations as well as the damage that has been done to his reputation. Turkel is a high powered attorney from Tampa whose significant wins in court include a $115 million judgment for Hulk Hogan for invasion of privacy by Gawker Media LLC. He represented former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin in a  successful appeal to reinstate her libel lawsuit against the New York Times.

Turkel’s reputation is that he only takes on cases he knows he will win and then goes scorched earth against his opponent.