A fight involving University of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard and University of Wisconsin assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft recently broke out following the Wisconsin Badgers' men's basketball victory against the Michigan Wolverines. | Michigan Basketball/Facebook
A fight involving University of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard and University of Wisconsin assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft recently broke out following the Wisconsin Badgers' men's basketball victory against the Michigan Wolverines. | Michigan Basketball/Facebook
A fight involving University of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard and University of Wisconsin assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft recently broke out following the Wisconsin Badgers' men's basketball victory against the Michigan Wolverines on Feb. 20, according to a CBS report.
The incident reportedly occurred as a result of Howard's frustration at Krabbenhoft's late-game timeout call.
During a postgame press conference, Howard refused to apologize for his involvement in the altercation.
"I didn't like the timeout they called and I'm being totally honest with you," Howard said. "I thought it was not necessary at that moment, especially with it being a large lead."
Additionally, Howard added that Wisconsin coach Greg Gard escalated the issue by placing his hands on him first in the handshake line as he attempted to pass by.
Howard then pointed toward Gard and touched him in return as Krabbenhoft joined in on the verbal confrontation before being struck in the head by Howard.
"I am aware of and watched the end of our men's basketball game. There is no excuse for any of our staff or student-athletes to get in a physical altercation regardless of instigating factors," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel stated on Twitter. "We will review the situation more thoroughly and work with the Big Ten Conference as they determine their disciplinary actions and will determine if any further disciplinary actions are needed."
Both teams, according to the CBS report, are responsible for the incident.
"There's no room, no space for conduct like that in any competition, much less a Big Ten competition," Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh stated at the postgame presser. "The Big Ten takes pride in sportsmanship. The Big Ten takes pride in acting with class. That didn't happen today."
According to a league statement, the Big Ten has pledged "swift and appropriate disciplinary action."
The Badgers defeated the Wolverines 77-63 in a match that featured a strong second half, according to the UW official website.
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