By JACOB POLACHECK
Michigan head coach Juwan Howard addressed the media Wednesday in his first public appearance since being reinstated from his five-game suspension.
Howard was suspended for the remainder of the regular season after he struck Wisconsin assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft during a postgame scrum following the Badgers 77-63 win over Michigan at the Kohl Center on Feb. 20.
“The reason why we are all here is because of post-game events at Wisconsin,” Howard said Wednesday. “And so with that, I can come with a thousand excuses. But I’m not. I take full ownership for my actions.”
Howard also took the time to offer an apology to Krabbenhoft during the press conference.
“Hopefully someday in person, I’ll get an opportunity to walk up to that man and apologize to him,” he said. “Look him in the eye, look him in the face and let him know that I am sorry. And it doesn’t mean I won’t do the same with Greg Gard and others.”
Howard said he is seeking therapy, a move agreed upon with the school.
“I’m still hurting but most importantly, I want to take time to apologize again,” he said.
Phil Martelli acted as Michigan head coach in Howard’s absense, leading the program to a 3-2 record, including wins over Michigan State and Ohio State.
With Howard back, Michigan is set to face Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament at 11:30am CT on Thursday.
(The AP contributed reporting.)
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