Michigan coach Juwan Howard 'puts sport aside,' reaches out to Tom Izzo, offers prayers following MSU tragedy
Three were killed and five others injured in a shooting on the Michigan State University campus. All MSU events, including athletics have been canceled through Wednesday, and the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Big Ten community.
Before Michigan basketball‘s game at Wisconsin Tuesday night, there was a moment of silence for the victims, their loved ones and the MSU community as they mourn. Following the 64-59 loss, head coach Juwan Howard revealed he had made contact with colleagues in East Lansing.
“I talked to [MSU basketball head] Coach [Tom] Izzo by text as well as [football head] Coach Mel Tucker, just letting them know that we at Michigan, despite the sport and that we’re both rivals — but when it comes to a tragedy like that, you put sport aside,” Howard said.
“All you think about is those lost ones that unfortunately had to deal with that situation. Our prayers and thoughts are with the families. We’ll continue to pray and support Michigan State as they deal with this sad tragedy.”
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Howard added that his Michigan team had conversations about the events.
Wisconsin coach Greg Gard also spoke with Izzo and offered his condolences.
“I’ve got two kids in college,” Gard stated. “I know we see it all over way too much in this country, but when you get a call from your daughter … I got home late last night and didn’t know what’s going on, and my wife says, ‘Hey, did you see what happened at Michigan State?’ I didn’t think they played last night. And then she starts to tell me. That rocks you.
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“Nobody’s immune to it, unfortunately. Having two kids — my two oldest are in college — I immediately thought about [the victims’] parents, the kids’ parents at Michigan State. That has got to be absolutely horrific to go through.”
Michigan State has heard from many others in the sports community, and the Spartans appreciate the support.
“To everyone who has reached out in support of our community, I offer my sincere gratitude,” athletic director Alan Haller said in a press release. “The outpouring of support from across the Big Ten Conference and the country has been overwhelming. It’s clear that although we may compete on the court, we are truly united by our shared humanity.”
Michigan and Michigan State are scheduled to play Saturday night at Crisler Center.
