NY Times Report: Title IX Complaint Hangs Over Florida’s March Madness Run

The University of Florida (UF) reached the Sweet Sixteen in the Men’s college basketball tournament for the first time since 2017. However, on March 23rd, 2025, The New York Times reported that there are clouds hanging over the program. While a Title IX complaint was recently dismissed against the team’s head coach, a separate Title IX complaint is still open against UF assistant coach Taurean Green. Here, our Miami sexual assault and battery attorney discusses the report in more detail.

Background: Title IX Complaint Dismissed Against Coach Todd Golden 

Earlier this year, ​the University of Florida concluded its four-month Title IX investigation into men’s basketball coach Todd Golden. The school found no evidence to substantiate allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and stalking. The inquiry—which was initiated after a complaint in September of 2024—involved multiple interviews and a thorough review of the claims. Notably, throughout the process, Mr. Golden continued his coaching duties.

 Title IX Investigation Still Pending Against Coach Taureen Green 

While Coach Golden has been cleared, the University of Florida’s men’s basketball team is still playing under the cloud of a Title IX investigation. Currently, the university is conducting a Title IX investigation into men’s basketball assistant coach Taurean Green. That investigation is centered around allegations of sexual assault that were made against Mr. Green by an athletic department employee. The complainant alleges that in March of 2024, Mr. Green kissed her and attempted to put his hand down her pants during a meeting he arranged at a university athletic facility. She reportedly initially refrained from reporting the incident due to concerns about Mr. Green’s status but came forward in December after being contacted during a separate investigation involving head coach Todd Golden. Despite the ongoing inquiry, Mr. Green continues to fulfill his coaching duties with the team. He has denied any wrongdoing.

 Understanding How Title IX Protects Sexual Misconduct Victims

 Title IX is a federal law that  protects victims of sex-based discrimination, including sexual assault. The law covers all educational institutions that receive federal funding. Notably, athletic departments are covered by Title IX. Sexual misconduct is defined, inherently, as a form of sex-based discrimination under the law.

Title IX bans sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and gender-based violence, at schools and colleges that receive federal funding. Victims can file complaints with their school or the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Schools have a duty to properly investigate any complaint. Victims and witnesses are protected from retaliation for reporting misconduct or participating in a Title IX investigation.

 Speak to Our Florida Civil Sexual Assault Lawyer Today

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Florida civil assault attorney is a compassionate, experienced advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was the victim of sexual misconduct at a college or a university, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no obligation case review. Our firm represents sexual assault victims throughout all of South Florida.

Source:

nytimes.com/athletic/6219839/2025/03/21/florida-march-madness-todd-golden-coach-investigation/