The University of Michigan remains silent on an incident involving head basketball coach Juwan Howard. No official statement has been issued by the athletic department or the university.
University spokesman Kurt Svoboda issued a “no comment” on behalf of athletic director Warde Manuel. A basketball team-specific spokesman did the same.
So what happened?!
We don’t really know for sure. However, new details have started to emerge.
Michigan is currently investigating an altercation between Juwan Howard and longtime strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson. By all accounts, it was not physical— despite rumors that the Wolverines’ head coach threw a punch.
Sanderson did not travel with the team over the weekend on his own accord. Howard did.
According to Jeff Goodman, the whole thing started with Jace Howard, Juwan’s son. The third-year guard has been on his dad’s team since 2020 and is currently rehabbing a stress fracture in his leg.
He apparently approached a trainer and lost his cool. Sanderson overheard the exchange and made a disparaging comment under his breath about the culture within the program.
Juwan Howard did not appreciate the jab at his leadership. Things quickly escalated from there as the head coach got in the face of his assistant.
Goodman said that Jace was frustrated with his inability to get back on the court with an injury and berated a trainer, who is trying to help him return. Sanderson, a big dude, found that to be problematic and made a comment.
He and Howard then went “chest-to-chest, nose-to-nose” over whatever was said. They had to be separated. It never turned physical, but Howard is known to be a hot head.
Neither coach addressed the team after the unfortunate event. Sanderson chose to take some time away from the program.
Here is Goodman’s full report: