Michigan coach Juwan Howard takes 'full ownership' for actions that caused suspension

The Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team closed the regular season with three wins across five matchups, including a victory at the rival Ohio State Buckeyes this past Sunday, without having head coach Juwan Howard on the bench as he served a five-game suspension for striking the head of Wisconsin Badgers assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft while in a post-contest handshake line on Feb. 20. 

Howard resumed his duties on Monday and addressed the figurative elephant in the room during a Wednesday press conference. 

"I can come up with 1,000 excuses, but I’m not," Howard said of what became a much-discussed incident, per Larry Lage of The Associated Press. "I take full ownership for my actions." 

Howard held player meetings individually on the first day of the midweek and was back in his standard role for practice sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 17-13 Wolverines meet the 18-12 Indiana Hoosiers in a Big Ten Tournament showdown on Thursday that could be vital for both teams chasing NCAA Tournament berths. 

Howard defended his actions shortly after the loss to Wisconsin but admitted Wednesday he views the matter differently today. 

"When I got back on the bus, I was upset with how I conducted myself during that moment in the press conference," Howard explained. He added that he sought therapy during his ban. 

For a piece published earlier on Wednesday, Bill Bender of Sporting News predicted Michigan "should be safe after last week's victories against Michigan State and Ohio State" regarding their place in the Big Dance regardless of what happens Thursday.