Following the Michigan/ Wisconsin game Sunday, Michigan head coach Juwan Howard and Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard exchanged words that culminated into Howard striking a Wisconsin assistant coach.
Like clockwork, people on social media have been dragging Howard and calling for his job. They’ve raved about the bad example he’s setting for his players. Let’s be clear, Howard was out of order. He was out of pocket. But where is this same criticism for Gard? Where’s that energy? Everyone is reacting over the incident, but not the cause of it.
Howard had his reasons to lash out. Gard called a timeout in the middle of a blowout. It pissed Howard off to the degree of not wanting to shake hands afterwards. It escalated when Gard grabbed Howard, with his emotions still running high, after the game.
Run up. Get done up. It’s simple.
In the aftermath, both Howard and Gard should be suspended. Howard for his open hand strike and Gard for grabbing Howard. They are head coaches of major programs and the scene was not a good look – at all. However, Howard shouldn’t lose his job, because his actions were reactionary and there are coaches who have done worse with little or no consequences. Howard should receive the same treatment.
While everyone is on Howard, Gard is no victim here. He is not blameless and shouldn’t be absolved from accountability and punishment.