Michigan's Juwan Howard Swings at Wisconsin Assistant Coach During Postgame Fight

Michigan head coach Juwan Howard might have earned himself a lengthy suspension after swinging his right hand at a Wisconsin assistant.

Howard exchanged words with Gard after the game. Things got worse when Howard hit Kirabenhoft in the head with his open palm.

CBS Sports @CBSSports

A fight broke out between Michigan and Wisconsin during the postgame handshake line. pic.twitter.com/AiWIwyzj8w

Here is a closer look at the altercation.

Jeanna Trotman @JeannaTrotmanTV

Here's really good raw video of the aftermath of #Michigan and #Wisconsin. You can clearly hear Juwan Howard say "I'll remember that" to Greg Gard prior to the altercation.

(Video courtesy of WKOW. Caution unedited, NSFW language.) pic.twitter.com/27N2q1OD8I

Gard said on CBS that he thought Howard didn't like the timeout he called. He called the timeout because he was concerned about a 10-second violation with his backups on the floor.

CBS Sports HQ @CBSSportsHQ

"Apparently, he didn't like that I called a timeout."

Wisconsin coach Greg Gard explains what led to the postgame fight with Juwan Howard and the Michigan team. pic.twitter.com/tjgRpGsCQB

During his postgame press conference, he elaborated further.

Howard told reporters that the timeout and the way Gard stopped him in the handshake line did not sit well with him.

Evan Flood @Evan_Flood

Here's Juwan Howard's side to the story.

Added later that he felt he needed to protect himself, because Greg Gard touched him unnecessarily in the handshake line after he had gotten upset.#Badgers pic.twitter.com/hFWrEtBv1v

Evan Flood @Evan_Flood

Juwan Howard's said he didn't appreciate the #Badgers calling a late timeout even though he was pressing with his starters against UW's bench. pic.twitter.com/mz2gUL7qO8

Chris McIntosh told reporters that there is no room for that in our competition and that he has reached out to Big Ten officials.

The league will act quickly. It is hard for me to compose myself.

There is no excuse for a Michigan coach or student to get involved in a physical altercation.

Michigan Athletics 〽️ @UMichAthletics

Statement from University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel: pic.twitter.com/GVt0zxcgLN

Gard grabbed Howard's right arm as he prepared to walk down the sideline. The entire altercation could have been avoided without that.

When the Big Ten weighs any potential punishments for those involved, Howard is unlikely to get much of a reprieve.

After completing a review of the matter, the conference said in a statement that it would issue swift and appropriateDisciplinary action.

He was ejected from a Big Ten tournament game against Maryland in March of last year after arguing with Turgeon. He had to be restrained as he walked towards the bench.

The Big Ten was accused by Maryland of receiving threats from Howard. He said Turgeon charged at him as they were arguing, which led him to respond in kind.

With five games left in the regular season, Michigan is 14-11 overall and 8-7 in the Big Ten.

The Wolverines were projected by Joe Lunardi to be one of the last four teams in the NCAA tournament and thus qualify for the play-in games. Michigan might have to make the Big Dance without its head coach if a suspension is on the table.