GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida coach Todd Golden encouraged “people not to rush to judgment” in the wake of sexual assault allegations against Gators assistant and national championship-winning point guard Taurean Green.

Under investigation himself for sexual harassment and stalking, Golden also questioned the university’s Title IX process that is supposed to keep private the identity of both the accuser and the accused.

Golden addressed reporters Friday, a day after ESPN reported an athletics department employee filed a sexual assault complaint against Green.

“I support my staff,” Golden said. “I would just implore people not to rush to judgment based off a headline. I’m just really ... frustrated and disappointed that a Title IX mechanism that is created to protect both sides during a situation like this, with confidentiality and privacy, continues to be abused.

“As frustrating and as disappointing and as hard as it is to do, I’m going to do what I think I need to do, and continue to respect the process.”

ESPN reported the accuser said Green, a key player for back-to-back national champions in 2006-07, arranged to meet her in March 2024 at an on-campus facility. Once there, the report states, Green “kissed her and tried to put his hand down her pants.”

Green attempted again after she repulsed his advances, leading her to then quickly leave the building.

The accusations, coupled with those against Golden, have raised questions about the culture of Florida’s program.

“Perception, it’s not reality,” Golden said. “I’m in this program every day; I see how our staff acts. I see our players act. I’m proud of what we’ve done since we’ve been here.

“All I can do is keep my head down and keep working.”

The No. 5 Gators will host Texas at 4 p.m. Saturday at the O’Connell Center. Florida (15-2, 2-2 SEC) is coming off a stunning 83-82 loss Tuesday night to unranked Missouri, a 10.5-point underdog.

The loss snapped UF’s 16-game home winning streak.

“We had built a good long streak — time to do it again,” Golden said. “We definitely don’t take these home opportunities for granted.”

Golden said Green will remain on the sideline with the Gators.

“Taurean will be with us,” Golden said. “We will continue to push forward and continue to work and practice and play, and we’ll let the process play out and see where it goes.”

Asked how Green, 38, was holding up, Golden said, “I’m not going to speak for Taurean.”

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