KEY POINTS

  • Juwan Howard takes offense at Badgers coach for calling timeouts in dying seconds of the game
  • Howard’s punch sparks an on-court brawl with players from both teams involved
  • The ex-NBA player had a similar occurrence last season in the Big Ten

Former NBA player Juwan Howard has been known to have a temper, and it was pretty much in play after the Michigan Wolverines vs. Wisconsin Badgers game.

The 49-year-old took a swing at Wisconsin assistant Joe Krabbenhoft in the postgame handshake line between the two teams and the act resulted in a huge brawl involving Wolverines and Badgers players.

It all started when Howard stopped Wisconsin coach Greg Gard and both ended up exchanging words.

The scene saw players gathering around the two coaches. Things took a different turn when the former NBA player put his finger on Gard’s face and grabbed the Badgers coach’s sweater.

Krabbenhoft tried to intervene but ended up being the recipient of Howard’s punch.

Mayhem ensued with both teams ending up pushing and shoving.

Michigan forwards Moussa Diabate and Terrance Williams appeared to have thrown punches, while Wisconsin guard Jahcobi Neath also appeared to do the same.

Howard was reportedly sore at Wisconsin for calling two timeouts in the last two minutes.

But it appears Howard took exception to the last one called by the Badgers with 15 seconds left in the game and the opposing team well ahead by 15 points.

The final score was 77-63 in favor of the Badgers.

"I didn't like the timeout they called, and I'm being totally honest with you," Howard stated. "I thought it was not necessary at that moment, especially with it being a large lead... I thought that wasn't fair to our guys. And so that's what happened."

Regardless, the Big Ten announced that it will review the matter and take appropriate disciplinary action.

"The Big Ten Conference is aware of a physical altercation involving Michigan Head Coach Juwan Howard at the conclusion of the Michigan Wolverines and Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball game. The conference is in contact with both member institutions and is currently assessing the incident. The conference will provide more information and will take swift and appropriate disciplinary action when it completes its review," the statement read.

It was not the first time that Howard had been involved in a fracas in the Big Ten.

Last year, Howard needed to be restrained when he tried to go after former Maryland Terrapins head coach Mark Turgeon.

He would eventually be ejected from the tournament quarterfinal game for his actions.

Head Basketball Coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines
Head Basketball Coach Juwan Howard of the Michigan Wolverines Getty Images | Aaron J. Thornton