Michigan coach Juwan Howard refused to back down or apologize for his actions that helped escalate an on-court fight at the end of Saturday’s game.
Howard confirmed in his postgame press conference that he was unhappy with Wisconsin coach Greg Gard’s decision to call timeout wih a 15-point lead and 15 seconds remaining in the game. Howard felt that was “not fair” to Michigan. The Wolverines coach suggested Gard was the primary instigator, and that Howard felt the need to defend himself after Gard touched him.
Juwan Howard says he didn't like the timeout that was called. He says it was "not necessary" and "not fair to our guys."
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) February 20, 2022
Juwan Howard has not apologized for anything that happened. Said he was upset about Wisconsin calling a timeout late in the game. He expressed that frustration to Greg Gard. Howard said Gard touched him during the postgame line and he felt the need to defend himself. #Michigan
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) February 20, 2022
Howard added that he did not endorse the fact that some Michigan players apparently tried to throw punches. However, he notably refused to apologize for his conduct.
Howard said it was unfortunate that some of the players also threw punches. He admired them for backing each other up but didn’t want it to go that way. Howard’s presser is over. He did not apologize for his actions. #Michigan
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) February 20, 2022
Howard and Gard sparked the postgame incident in the handshake line, but Howard was definitely the main escalator (video here). Howard also took a swing at Wisconsin assistant Joe Krabbenhoft, which really sent the entire incident over the edge.
Howard had every right to be unhappy with Gard for calling timeout, but there’s plenty of precedent for coaches using timeouts late in blowouts to empty their bench. That alone certainly did not need to lead to a scene like this. Howard’s defiance is unlikely to help him when the Big Ten hands down discipline, either.
