Draymond Green defends Juwan Howard after the incident: "No one is talking about his arm being grabbed"
Draymond Green reacts to Juwan Howard's striking incident
Michigan Wolverines' head coach Juwan Howard recently made headlines after punching Wisconsin assistant Joe Krabbenhoft during a post-game scuffle on Sunday. But according to Draymond Green, he's not the only one to blame for the incident.
Howard's apology for swinging at the opposing assistant
Howard apologized for his actions in a statement issued on Monday. He expressed regret for both his actions and words that sparked an on-court altercation following his team's 14-point loss at Wisconsin.
“After taking time to reflect on all that happened, I realize how unacceptable both my actions and words were, and how they affected so many. I am truly sorry,” Howard said in a statement. “I am offering my sincerest apology to my players and their families, my staff, my family and the Michigan fans around the world. I would like to personally apologize to Wisconsin‘s Assistant Coach Joe Krabbenhoft and his family, too."
Howard has been suspended for the final five games of the regular season and fined $40,000 but will be eligible to return come the postseason. Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard was fined $10,000 for being involved in arm-grabbing that preceded the incident, while Krabbenhoft received no punishment.
Draymond Green chimes in
Draymond Green, who spent his collegiate career with Wolverines' rival Michigan State, chimed in on the incident during the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show.
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"I hate Michigan Wolverines," Green said. "Anytime to see their program's in turmoil is always fun for me, because why not? – I'm a Michigan State guy, I'm a Spartan through and through. They hate us. We hate them. It's no surprise there."
Green's hate toward his alma mater's rival didn't stop him from pointing out one thing very few others mention about the incident; Greg Gard grabbing Howard's arm that eventually led to a scuffle in the first place.
"It baffles me how no one spoke about the guy grabbing his arm as he's walking through the handshake line. No one is talking about his arm being grabbed. It's a reason Juwan didn't apologize (after the game.) I have the utmost respect for him for not apologizing."
Howard's apology came a day after the incident took place, and Green has no problem with that. The thing that bothers Draymond is the notion that "he needs to get in the press conference and apologize right away."
Warriors forward also bashed Michigan's Athletic Director Warde Manuel for releasing a statement just hours after the incident. The fact he "reached out to Wisconsin Un to apologize for the unacceptable behavior," without even having an opportunity to talk to his head coach is the thing that frustrates Draymond. Especially since, according to Green, Juwan Howard isn't supposed to get all the blame for everything that went down on Sunday.
"That was baffling to me,that their athletic director ran out like that apologizing and not supporting his head coach," Dray said. "I hope Juwan said 'Forget y'all rest of the season suspension, I'm out of here.'"
