Juwan Howard press conference: Michigan coach reveals why he threw punch

By Mark Powell | Feb 20, 2022

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 30: Head coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the second half against the UCLA Bruins in the Elite Eight round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 30, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Michigan head coach Juwan Howard revealed why he threw a punch at the end of the Wolverines’ loss to a ranked Wisconsin team.

Howard was upset with Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard for calling a timeout with just 15 seconds remaining on the clock while up double digits. Clearly, the Michigan coach wanted the game to end, rather than soaking in defeat.

Still, that’s no excuse for someone as experienced as Howard to make any sort of contact with a rival coach. Howard could’ve merely aired his grievance in the postgame press conference, as is traditional around these parts.

Instead, Howard could now be facing a lofty suspension or worse for the following:

Juwan Howard throws a punch. pic.twitter.com/HiC3y7yKvG
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) February 20, 2022

Michigan basketball fight

Some of the players did get involved, but only after their head coach instigated. Howard threw the first and only real punch after initially having words with Gard and Wisconsin assistant Joe Krabbenhoft.

Juwan Howard press conference

Howard reveals in the video below that he was upset with Wisconsin for calling a late timeout despite having the game in hand.

Juwan Howard says he didn’t like the timeout that UW called. pic.twitter.com/LM47i4o7V8
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) February 20, 2022

The Michigan head coach then went on to claim he was protecting himself when he threw punches.

Howard said he was protecting himself when he grabbed Gard, threw at Krabbenhoft. pic.twitter.com/xbvOjJa480
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) February 20, 2022

Wisconsin responds to Juwan Howard incident

Badgers athletic director Chris McIntosh claims he already contacted the Big Ten and wants swift action taken.

Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh, who is also speaking alongside Gard, said there were injuries but declines to elaborate on them. McIntosh said he's already spoken to the B10 commissioner and wants swift action to be taken. #Michigan
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) February 20, 2022

Head coach Greg Gard commented as well postgame.

“It’s unfortunate that overshadows a fabulous day for Wisconsin basketball,” Gard said in the moment.

Michigan-Wisconsin game

The Badgers held on to defeat the Wolverines, 77-63.

Next. Wisconsin, Ohio State fans want Juwan Howard fired for punching Badgers assistant. dark