Juwan Howard has been punished for smacking an opposing coach during a wild altercation over the weekend with Michigan reportedly banning the guy from the Wolverines’ sidelines for the rest of the regular season, TMZ reports.
Yahoo Sports’ Dan Wetzel just reported the news one day after Juwan Howard kicked off a brawl at the end of the Michigan vs. Wisconsin game by taking a swipe at Badgers assistant Joe Krabbenhoft.
The ban would effectively be a 5-game suspension for Juwan Howard as the Wolverines have just five contests left before they play in the postseason Big 10 Tournament.
Howard had told media members following the altercation that he got aggressive because Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard had put his hands on him first.
“I think that was very uncalled for, for him to touch me,” Howard said after the game, “as we were verbalizing and communicating with one another. So, that’s what ended up happening.”
Many had speculated Howard would be banned for longer — and, considering the melee ended up being very, very ugly, some thought it could cost the 49-year-old his job.
Michigan, meanwhile, is 14-11 this season.
TMZ also reported in an updated post that Howard was hit with a $40k fine. Gard was also hit with a $10k penalty.
Michigan players Moussa Diabate and Terrance Williams and Wisconsin’s Jahcobi Neath were suspended one game.
Krabbenhoft will not be suspended or fined.
The Big Ten says it reviewed postgame footage to come up with its decision, with commish Kevin Warren saying, “Big Ten Conference coaches and student-athletes are expected to display the highest level of sportsmanship conduct.”
“Our expectation is that the incident yesterday will provide our coaches and student-athletes with the opportunity to reflect, learn and move forward in a manner that demonstrates decorum and leadership on and off of the court.”