Juwan Howard makes first comments since return from suspension

After being suspended for Michigan‘s final five games of the regular season and being fined $40,000 for his postgame altercation with Wisconsin staffers on Feb. 20, Juwan Howard has officially been reinstated and is back with the team as they head into the postseason.

Meeting with the media on Wednesday for the first time in weeks, Howard had plenty of positive comments to make – most importantly thanking his entire team for how they came together without him.

“I was excited to see everyone join together, all hands on deck,” Howard said, as The Wolverine’s Anthony Broome shared on Twitter.

After thanking his assistant coaches and players for stepping up in his absence, Howard proceeded to reflect on his actions from the incident – which he said he has taken full responsibility for and has learned from.

“I can come with 1,000 excuses, but I will not,” Howard said. “I take full ownership for my actions. [Everything] would be excuses. That was not the right way to carry myself as a head coach at the University of Michigan. I was truly upset with myself and did soul-searching how I can improve.

“During that time, I reflected on the moment at Wisconsin and how I can be better as the head coach here. Let’s talk about the person.”

Michigan went 3-2 in Howard’s absence with associate head coach Phil Martelli leading the Wolverines down the stretch of the regular season, which was capped off Sunday with a 75-69 road win at No. 23 Ohio State.

With the victory over the Buckeyes, Michigan finished the regular season with a 17-13 overall record and 11-9 mark in Big Ten play – and most likely earned an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament as a result. The Wolverines – seeded at No. 8 – will open Big Ten Tournament play on Thursday against No. 9 Indiana in the second round.