BACK
Juwan Howard apologizes for hitting opposing coach: 'This mistake will never happen again'
sports.yahoo.com

Juwan Howard apologizes for hitting opposing coach: 'This mistake will never happen again'

Michigan men's basketball coach Juwan Howard apologized Monday night for his actions during Sunday's postgame handshake after the loss at Wisconsin.

Sports

DETROIT — Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard apologized Monday night for his action during Sunday's postgame handshake after the loss at Wisconsin.

In a statement released by the university, Howard said he realizes "how unacceptable" his actions and words were.

He offered apologies to his team, their families, his staff, family and Michigan fans. He also apologized to Wisconsin assistant coach Joel Krabbenhoft and his family.

Click to continue reading

At the end of the 14-point loss, which included a late-game timeout by Wisconsin coach Greg Gard, Howard and Gard had a confrontation which led to pushing and shoving by both teams. Howard slapped Krabbenhoft in the face, and players threw punches.

Howard has been suspended for the rest of the regular season by the school, which the Big Ten backed, and fined $40,000. Gard was fined $10,000. Michigan forwards Moussa Diabate and Terrance Williams II and Wisconsin guard Jahcobi Neath were all suspended one game for throwing punches.

Michigan associate head coach Phil Martelli will fill in for Howard during the suspension. The school said before reinstatement, "all parties will meet to make a final decision prior to the Big Ten tournament and any postseason participation."

Howard's statement:

"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.

"I am 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 Joel 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 athletics director Warde Manuel, which, according to the Big Ten, had an active role in levying Howard's suspension, said in the statement: "Today's disciplinary actions underscore the seriousness with which we take the incident that unfolded on Sunday. 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."