In the postgame handshake line between the teams, Michigan men's basketball coach Juwan Howard took a swipe at Wisconsin assistant Joe Krabbenhoft's face, sparking a melee involving coaches and players from both teams.
Wisconsin coach Greg Gard halted Howard in the handshake line, prompting the two men to exchange words before being swamped by players and coaches. Before Krabbenhoft arrived in the center of the scrum, Howard poked Gard in the face and grabbed Gard's jumper. Howard then reached out and hit Krabbenhoft in the face.
Both teams started shoving one other, with Michigan players Moussa Diabate and Terrance Williams seeming to throw fists. Wisconsin guard Jahcobi Neath looked to deliver a punch as well.
The Big Ten stated it will look into the situation and take "swift and appropriate disciplinary action."
"The Big Ten Conference is aware of a violent confrontation involving Michigan Head Coach Juwan Howard following the completion of the men's basketball game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Wisconsin Badgers. The conference has contacted both member universities and is actively investigating the situation. When the conference's examination is completed, it will offer further information and will take prompt and necessary disciplinary action "According to a statement issued by the conference.
In a statement, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel apologized to Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh, and university president Mary Sue Coleman said she was reaching out to Wisconsin chancellor Rebecca Blank.
"I was aware of and witnessed the conclusion of our men's basketball game. There is no need for any of our employees or student-athletes to engage in physical conflict with others, regardless of the circumstances. I apologized to Chris McIntosh, and President Coleman has apologized to UW Chancellor Blank for the very inexcusable actions "He said. "We will conduct a more complete assessment of the incident and collaborate with the Big Ten Conference as they evaluate their disciplinary procedures, as well as if additional disciplinary actions are required."
McIntosh had stated that he had informed Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren about the matter, and that Wisconsin had staff employees who were aware of the situation ""Affected and hurt."
"There's no tolerance, no space for that kind of behavior in any game, let alone a Big Ten competition," McIntosh said. "The Big Ten is proud of its athletes' sportsmanship. The Big Ten takes pride in its ability to operate with class. That did not occur today."
Howard expressed his displeasure with Wisconsin's use of timeouts. Wisconsin used two timeouts in the last minute, including one with 15 seconds left with a 15-point lead. Wisconsin triumphed 77-63.
"I didn't like the timeout they called, and I'm telling you the truth," Howard admitted. "I didn't think it was necessary at the time, especially with such a massive lead... I didn't think it was fair to our boys. That's exactly what occurred."
Howard stated that he reacted after someone from Wisconsin placed their hands on him, although he did not specify who did so.
"Someone touched me, and I believe it was inappropriate for them to do so while we were verbalizing and speaking with one another. That's what fueled the fire "He stated.
In a postgame interview with CBS, Gard explained his reasoning for the timeouts, notably the one with 15 seconds left.
