Juwan Howard reveals how he responded to Michigan suspension

Juwan Howard on Wednesday returned to the Michigan basketball team after his suspension for his actions in the handshake line against Wisconsin a month ago. He delivered a statement to the media upon speaking publicly for the first time since that suspension was handed down, and revealed how he has dealt with the fallout.

Howard said he had sought therapy and that he was “still hurting” from how he behaved against Wisconsin.

“I sought therapy. It wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time,” Howard said, via Andrew Kahn of MLive. “I want to be a better person, a better coach. I got a chance to really evaluate what areas I can improve on. I enjoy being here and enjoy being the leader of this program. I enjoy being a good leader for our players and staff. I had a setback. In that moment, I was not (a good leader). I take full responsibility, and I’m sorry.

“I hurt a lot of people. I hurt my family, I hurt my players and their families, I hurt my staff, I hurt the Michigan family, the Michigan alumni base. There are a lot of people I hurt during that moment. And I’m still hurting.”

Howard infamously did not apologize for his actions immediately following the game in Madison, which saw him incite the incident during the handshake line. On Wednesday, he admitted that he knew on the bus he had erred in his statement.

Michigan will open the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday against Indiana, and Howard will be on the sideline. His behavior will be closely watched in light of what happened against the Badgers.

Photo: Dec 7, 2021; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard watches action in the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports