Juwan Howard’s Rumored Altercation With Michigan Coach Clarified by Hoops Insider

Howard has shown his temper before, which makes his job status precarious.

During the past weekend, rumors circulated on social media that there was a physical altercation between Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard and a member of the program’s staff.

By Sunday night, reporters covering Michigan, including The Athletic’s Brendan Quinn, debunked gossip of any punches being thrown. However, there was reportedly a confrontation that occurred between Howard and strength coach Jon Sanderson. 

College basketball reporter Jeff Goodman clarified what he knew about the story based on sources he talked to during an appearance on The Field of 68 podcast. His account seems to confirm what was previously reported. 

“Juwan’s son [guard Jace Howard], who has been out all year… He was in the training room and was walking out, and got into it with a trainer first.” Goodman explained. “Almost to the point of berating the trainer. Over the line.”

“Jon Sanderson hears this and says something to the effect of, ‘That’s why the effin’ culture is the way it is around here,’” Goodman continued. “So Juwan hears this and Juwan gets upset, gets mad. We’ve seen Juwan get mad before.”

“Jace Howard lost his cool on a trainer. John Sanderson heard it, and said something like, “That’s why the culture is what it is around here.” Juwan heard that, and then went nose-to-nose with Sanderson"@GoodmanHoops on the LATEST at Michigan:https://t.co/qQsDrKOlOT pic.twitter.com/MFoptsYx8s

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) December 13, 2023

Goodman added that sources told him Howard and Sanderson did get into an argument, “chest to chest, nose to nose, before they had to be separated.” 

The mention of Howard "getting mad before" refers to a February 2022 incident during which the Michigan coach took a swing at Wisconsin assistant Joe Krabbenhoft. Howard was suspended for the remaining five games of the 2021-22 regular season. The altercation resulted in Michigan adding a zero-tolerance policy to its agreement with Howard. 

Goodman also referenced Howard being ejected from a March 2021 game after getting into an argument with then-Maryland coach Mark Turgeon. 

Howard was on the Michigan bench for last Saturday’s game versus Iowa. However, assistant Phil Martelli is currently serving as interim coach while Howard continues to recover from heart surgery. Sanderson did not travel with the team to Iowa City. However, he reportedly filed a claim with the university’s Human Resources department, according to The Athletic’s Quinn.

The Wolverines (5–5) host Eastern Michigan (5–4) for a nonconference matchup on Saturday.