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Juwan Howard shows remorse in statement released by Michigan

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•02/21/22•

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Michigan coach Juwan Howard
Michigan coach Juwan Howard has been suspended for five games. Nic Antaya/Getty Images.

Michigan head coach Juwan Howard wasn’t in an apologetic mood after his team’s 77-63 loss at Wisconsin Sunday, one that ended in an altercation. Howard threw a slap/punch at Badgers assistant Joe Krabbenhoft after getting into it with head coach Greg Gard, one that cost him a $40,000 fine and a five-game suspension.

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In the postgame, Howard said he felt he had to defend himself. On Monday, after the punishment came down, he issued an apology.

“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,” he said. “I’m 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.

“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. I will learn from my mistake and this mistake will never happen again. No excuses!”

Michigan A.D. Warde Manuel also issues a statement

Athletic director Warde Manuel proactively worked with the Big Ten to come up with Howard’s punishment. He came up with the five-game suspension, approved by conference commissioner Kevin Warren.

“Today’s disciplinary actions underscore the seriousness with which we take the incident that unfolded on Sunday,” Manuel said. “Simply put, there is no room at U-M for the behavior we saw. We will learn from this incident as a department, work to improve ourselves while operating under a spotlight, and move forward in a positive light.”

Michigan associate head coach Phil Martelli will lead the team for the next five games. That starts with Wednesday night’s home tilt with Rutgers. Michigan will play Illinois, Michigan State and Iowa at home next week. They’ll then travel to Ohio State March 6 for the regular season finale.

Former Michigan center Chris Hunter, the Director of Basketball Operations, will temporarily move to the third assistant slot. He’ll join Saddi Washington and Howard Eisley on the bench. U-M players Terrance Williams and Moussa Diabate will also miss Wednesday night’s game with Rutgers, suspended one game each for their part in the altercation.

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