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University of Michigan men's basketball head coach Juwan Howard has been fined and suspended for the remainder of the regular season, following a postgame "physical altercation" on Sunday (February 20).
Howard and Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard were in a heated exchange of words following the game when players and coaches tap hands in a show of sportsmanship. Video shows Gard grabbing at Howard when he approaches, which leads to the heated exchange before a throng of Wisconsin and Michigan players and coaches swarmed them. In the middle of things, Howard appeared to have strike a University of Wisconsin assistant coach in the head.
In a statement, the Big Ten Conference said that Howard was in "clear violation" of the sportsmanship policy and was fined $40,000. Gard was fined $10,000. Michigan forward Terrence Williams II and Moussa Diabate and Wisconsin guard Jahcobi Neath were also found to have violated the sportsmanship policy and were suspended one game each.
Howard offered an apology on Monday (February 21), stating: "After taking time to reflect on all that happened, I realize how unacceptable both my actions and words were, and how they affected so many, I am truly sorry.
"I am offering my sincerest apology to my players and their families, my staff, my family and the Michigan fans around the world. I would like to personally apologize to Wisconsin's Assistant Coach Joe Krabbenhoft and his family, too."
"Lastly, I speak a lot about being a Michigan man and representing the University with class and pride, I did not do that, nor did I set the right example in the right way for my student-athletes. I will learn from my mistake and this mistake will never happen again. No excuses!"
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