Michigan basketball coach suspended for rest of regular season after striking Wisconsin coach

University of Michigan head basketball coach Juwan Howard is suspended for the remainder of the regular season and is forced to pay a $40,000 fine, The Big Ten Conference announced Monday.

The disciplinary action comes after Howard struck Wisconsin assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft on Sunday in Madison, Wis.

The Big Ten also found University of Wisconsin head basketball coach Greg Gard in "violation of the conference’s sportsmanship policy" and gave him a $10,000 fine. 

The sports conference suspended three student athletes from both teams for violating the Big Ten's sportsmanship policy. Michigan student athletes Terrance Williams II and Moussa Diabate and Wisconsin student athlete Jahcobi Neath are suspended for one game, effective immediately.

"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 provided by the University of Michigan.

"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," he added.

The university stated that before Howard can be reinstated, all involved parties will meet for a final decision ahead of the Big Ten Tournament.