Juwan Howard took a swing he simply cannot take. It was unacceptable and irresponsible, and it will end up being a costly one.
Whatever precipitated Howard's behavior at the end of Michigan's 77-63 loss at Wisconsin on Sunday doesn't excuse it. His volatile temperament crossed a line, and it's up to Michigan and the Big Ten to redraw the boundary. Howard verbally sparred with Badgers coach Greg Gard in the postgame handshake line, then took exception when Gard grabbed his arm to stop him from walking past. In the ensuing chaos, Howard swung at Badgers assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft's head. It escalated into an ugly melee involving players and coaches, and the ramifications should be significant.
Howard should be suspended for multiple games, at least. If Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren only has the authority to sideline him for two games, UM AD Warde Manuel will have to consider adding more. Manuel released a statement Sunday acknowledging Michigan's culpability for "the totally unacceptable behavior." He said he apologized to Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh, and added that Michigan interim President Mary Sue Coleman had reached out to Wisconsin Chancellor Rebecca Blank.
