By now, most people are aware of or have seen the video of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard swinging at Wisconsin assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft. The incident, which followed a timeout call by Greg Gard with seconds left to play, has drawn intense reactions from fans on social media. After the fight was finally broken up, both coaches addressed the media.
Juwan Howard Was Upset Over the Timeout
According to Juwan Howard, he was upset that Greg Gard called a timeout with so little time left in the game. Wisconsin was up by a large margin, and Howard took offense. However, it should be noted that Michigan was also playing full-court press. It should also be mentioned Michigan had their starters in while Wisconsin had emptied its bench. Finally, Howard said that he felt the need to “defend myself” after Gard laid a hand on him in the handshake line.
Juwan Howard explains what led to his altercation with Wisconsin assistant Joe Krabbenhoft
(via @savedbythebelz)pic.twitter.com/kO20iDwYMN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 20, 2022
Obviously, at least to many, Coach Howard’s actions are beyond inexcusable. It also is interesting to note that at no point did Howard apologize for instigating the fight.
Greg Gard Addressed the Media
Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard also addressed the media after the game. In his statement, he stated that Coach Howard had expressed displeasure at Gard’s calling of a timeout. Gard tried to explain his decision to call a timeout (that his walk-ons were in and in need of coaching), but Howard did not want to hear it.
"Apparently, he didn't like that I called a timeout."
Wisconsin coach Greg Gard explains what led to the postgame fight with Juwan Howard and the Michigan team. pic.twitter.com/tjgRpGsCQB
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) February 20, 2022
The Big Ten has released a statement that there will be a swift investigation into what happened. They also added that any punishments will also be swiftly handed out.
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