Big Ten releases statement on Juwan Howard incident

Michigan Wolverines head coach Juwan Howard finds himself in hot water after throwing a punch after their matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers. After some an intense postgame handshake with Badgers head coach Greg Gard, the two teams began to push and shove before Howard escalated the whole situation, hitting an assistant coach before being pulled away from the situation.

On Monday, the Big Ten finally released a statement on what transpired at the Kohl Center. They identified everyone involved, citing Howard, Gard, and three players — two from the Michigan side and one from Wisconsin.

“In collaboration with University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin, the Big Ten Conference has reviewed the postgame physical altercation between the Michigan Wolverines and Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball teams on February 20, 2022, in Madison, Wisconsin. 
 
“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. Additionally, the University of Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Head Coach Greg Gard was in violation of the conference’s sportsmanship policy.

“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. 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 will be suspended for five games and was fined $40,000 by the Big Ten. On the other side, Gard will not miss any games for the Badgers but will face a $10,000. Each of the three players named by the conference will be suspended for one game.

Commissioner Kevin Warren commented on the situation as well, saying he is “grateful” both athletic directors corporate and hopes everyone involved will be able to learn from the experience.

“Big Ten Conference coaches and student-athletes are expected to display the highest level of sportsmanship conduct,” stated Commissioner Kevin Warren. “I am grateful for the partnership with Michigan Athletics Director, Warde Manuel and Wisconsin Athletics Director, Chris McIntosh. Our expectation is that the incident yesterday will provide our coaches and student-athletes with the opportunity to reflect, learn and move forward in a manner that demonstrates decorum and leadership on and off of the court.”