BADGER/MICHIGAN MBB

What are everyone’s thoughts on the scrum and punishment?

The alleged (and admitted) beef from Howard was over UW’s coach calling a timeout to prevent a likely turnover in the waning moments of the game when the score was a double digit Wisconsin lead. The hypocritical part of the scenario is that the game is out of hand, yet Michigan is playing full court pressure defense with its starters against the end of the Badgers bench. At worst, it’s an “agree to disagree” type scenario. Most coaches I’ve worked with and myself included would agree that Howard can’t be pissy about a Badgers timeout with the game out of hand, when he’s still pressuring to create a turnover and easy bucket. On this, I’d say Howard is firmly in the wrong philosophically and being petty.

The fact that something so minor can result in instigating a fight with other adults as you serve in a position that should clearly model control and discipline is alarming. He cited Gard “touching him” in the postgame handshake line. However, he was the initial aggressor in shouting at a coach after the game saying “we will remember that.” Gard did touch him with his rebuttal, but not in any threatening way.

The biggest issue is lack of remorse. Howard had countless opportunities to admit wrong doing but has chosen not to. When he answered postgame interview questions saying he had to “protect himself” I instantly thought his punishment should multiply. He’s an aggressive 6’9, 260# former professional athlete being the aggressor towards Gard. I’m not sure in what world Gard could actually harm Howard in an altercation.

I am fine with the players’ punishment and Gard’s punishment. Given Howard’s track record with this type of BS, and his doubling down refusing to admit wrong doing, I’d have like to seen a larger fine and his season over (postseason too). Let him retain his job IF he completes anger management coursework not sanctioned by Michigan and agreed to ongoing counseling throughout next season when he returns. His punishment is too light and clearly not a deterrent if he’s yet to change his tone.

I agree with the 1 game suspension for Gard but I think Howard should have been fired with in 12hrs of the incident. How many of you could go to work tomorrow, punch someone in face and keep your job? Not me. He is a leader of young men, held to a higher behavioral standard then most and is paid handsomely for that.

Seems about right; I would have like to have seen Howard done for the year including postseason although they don’t seem to be going anywhere. Gard escalated it by stopping Howard in the handshake line so I wouldn’t have minded seeing him get a bigger fine. Most disappointing thing was that neither coach had a even hint of remorse or apology at the postgame press conference.

I have watched 6 mens college bb game hand shake lines since Sunday night. Several coaches touched the arm or shoulder of the opposing coach when going through the line. NONE of them had to DEFEND themselves from the other coach.

I agree with you bucky. If he can coach his players till the end of the game, Gard should be able to also. Howard’s punishment does not fit the crime in my opinion. Also the lame apology that came out from him yesterday was a joke. No apology to Wisconsin, Gard, or Badger fans. His apology to the Badger coach he hit in the face he couldn’t even get his name right.

I might have blinders on because I’m a die hard Badger fan and that is why I asked a general question in my original post just to see what comments would pop up.

I love how Michigan comes out immediately and says this behavior is totally unacceptable, and then does not promptly fire Howard, what a joke, but then we’re talking Michigan here, pretty much on the same level as Harvard and Duke in my book.

Apparently, his take in his little mind is that I can coach to the end of the game ( which is his option), but the other team cannot ? I admit I am confused.

So, slap on the wrist for you, worst fake apology of all time provided, move on people, nothing to see here…. not the first time this clown has had issues or the last I am sure

Paulski

riverrookie wrote:

I agree with the 1 game suspension for Gard

Gard was not suspended but fined 10k which the athletic department is paying his fine. Every player will react on there coaches motions what Juwan did after the game is totally unacceptable. It’s a good thing most of these players were disciplined because it could of been a lot worse especially when fans get involved.

riverrookie wrote:

How many of you could go to work tomorrow, punch someone in face and keep your job?

Howard didnt actually punch him. He used an open hand. Regardless he should have never done this and you’re right if any one of us even did this in our work setting we would be forcefully removed.

riverrookie wrote:

How many of you could go to work tomorrow, punch someone in face and keep your job?

Well afaik nobody on this forum is an NCAA coach so normal rules don’t really apply.

If Howard lost his mind because of a timeout call to prevent a turnover, then he’s gone mental. WI has the starters out, isn’t pressing and Howard loses his mind because a timeout call is seen by him as “running up the score”?

I’ve seen some d!ck moves by coaches but that timeout doesn’t really qualify as a top 10 offense.

supercat wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>riverrookie wrote:</div>
I agree with the 1 game suspension for Gard

Gard was not suspended but fined 10k which the athletic department is paying his fine. Every player will react on there coaches motions what Juwan did after the game is totally unacceptable. It’s a good thing most of these players were disciplined because it could of been a lot worse especially when fans get involved.

I disagree Gard should have been fined or suspended, his only offense was thinking that him and that worthless coach from Michigan had some sort of working relationship …. he went with the natural response after getting sworn at in the handshake line …. classy move all around from such a classy university ….

He should have been terminated immediately. Doesn’t matter open or closed hand, he hit an opposing coach.

Paul D wrote:

He should have been terminated immediately. Doesn’t matter open or closed hand, he hit an opposing coach.

Yes you are correct but… well you know.

Just another day when he was playing in the NBA….

Took my son to see MN -MI game in 92 when the Gophers knocked off the Fab 5; good memory.