The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines has been suspended for the last five regular-season games and fined $40,000 for a postgame altercation with the opposing coach.
On Monday, the Big Ten announced that Juwan Howard had been suspended and fined for his role in Sunday's postgame altercation when he struck Wisconsin assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft in the head.
According to the statement, Howard was found to have violated the Big Ten Conference's Sportsmanship Policy.
"It has been determined that there was a clear violation of the Big Ten Conference's Sportsmanship Policy by Michigan Men's Basketball Head Coach Juwan Howard," The statement reads. "Additionally, the University of Wisconsin Men's Basketball Head Coach Greg Gard was in violation of the conference's sportsmanship policy."
The statement also notes that three players have also been found to violate the policy, and other members of the bench area didn't represent the conference in the best light.
"For their roles in the altercation, Michigan's Terrance Williams II (forward), Moussa Diabate (forward), and Wisconsin's Jahcobi Neath (guard) were also in violation of the Big Ten Conference's Sportsmanship Policy," the statement reads. "Many members of the bench area for both teams, including assistant coaches, did not represent the level of sportsmanship that is expected from the Big Ten Conference and its member institutions."
Howard released a statement after his suspension was made public, apologetic for his actions after the game.
"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," Howard said. "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."
Juwan Howard releases a statement apologizing for his actions in the altercation after Michigan's game against Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/if4ZyPRvYd
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 22, 2022
Howard also notes that he didn't represent the University of Michigan with class and pride and has learned from his mistake.
"Lastly, I speak a lot about being a Michigan man and representing the University of Michigan with class and pride; I did not do that, nor did I set the right example in the right way for my student-athletes," Howard said. "I will learn from my mistake and this mistake will never happen again. No excuses!"
Howard will miss Michigan's upcoming home games against Rutgers on Wednesday and Illinois on Sunday, as well as the rivalry rematch against Michigan State on March 1, the home finale against Iowa on March 3 and the regular-season finale against Ohio State on March 6.
