The fireworks in the Michigan/Maryland basketball game today occured during the second half 12 minute TV timeout. Prior to the timeout, an official called a ball out of bounds on a Michigan player when it looked like it was off the Maryland player. When the commercial break was over, the announcers said that “fireworks occured” why the viewers were away on commercial break. Michigan coach Juwan Howard received two technical fouls and was ejected from the game and Maryland coach Mark Turgeron received one technical foul. The announcers were not sure what was said but it was clear that Howard was really upset with Turgeron. It wasn’t until an hour or two after the game, that both coaches told their sides of the story.
Immediately after the game, my good friend Rick called me and asked what happened. I told him no one was sure, but from my watching of the replay of the incident, I had a good idea what happened. It was a scene that me and many basketball officials have seen throughout our careers. Time is out and one of the coaches leaves his coaching box to try to get the attention of the official who made a call. In doing so, the opposing coach starts yelling at the officials to give the coach who has left his coaches box a technical foul for leaving the box. Ninety nine percent of the time, the coaches start barking at each other and then the officials have to step in and try to restore order. Most of the time, the official gets the coaches to relax and the coach gets his explanation. In some instances one or both both coaches are given technical fouls for unsportsmanlike behavior. Usually this gets things under control. However, in tournament situations or if there is bad blood between the coaches, it leads to what happened in today’s game. I told my friend Rick that this is what I thought happened. An hour later, my explanation was proven to be accurate.
All of this could have been avoided if the coaches focused on coaching and let the officials officiate. As an official, I do not need to be told when a coach leaves the coaching box. We know when it happens and when it does we handle it. If Turgeron hadn’t said something, I guarantee the official would have told Juwan to get back into the box and when he did the official would have given Juwan an explanation of how he saw the call. Juwan wouldn’t have agreed with it, but it he would have accepted it and nothing would have come of it. However, once Turgeron said something the situation changed. Turgeron escalated a situation that he had no business getting involved in. He needed to let the officials officiate.
I am not condoning Juwan’s behavior. His reaction to Turgeron was wrong and uncalled for. Juwan made the situation worse by reacting to Turgeron’s comments. When Juwan continued “barking” after he received his first technical. Juwan deserved to be ejected. His explanation about his being taught by his grandma to not back down and his explanation that people from the south side of Chicago do not back down from an adult who has challenged them is a poor excuse for a person in his position. I know his players will defend him and appreciate that they think he has their back, but that does not make it right. Even John Beilein in his post game comments indicated that he loved that the coaches showed such passion and supported their players. Unfortunately, this took away from one of the finest games I have ever seen by a college point guard.
Mike Smith, Michigan’s point guard had a stat-line that I have never seen in college basketball, 37 minutes played, 2 for 2 on three point shots, 4 for 4 on foul shots, 18 points, 15 assists and ZERO TURNOVERS, plus outstanding defense. Unfortunately, his performance was overshadowed by the two head coaches. Also overshadowed in the game, was the fine job the officials did throughout the game. This game was decided by the players on the court. The officials let them play but kept the players under control throuhout the game inspite of the behvior of the two head coaches.
I cannot wait until tomorrow when it is Michigan versus Ohio State. I love this time of year, especially since it was taken from us last year by Covid-19.
Stay safe. Wear your mask properly. Social distance. Wash your hands regularyly. Schedule your vaccine.
Quote of the Day: “Juwan Howard is a class act.” My comment to Leah after Juwan Howard’s halftime interview today. Eight minutes of playing time later, Howard was ejected from the game.
Orchid of the Day: Mike Smith, Michigan’s point guard for as close to a perfect game as you can get in basketball.
Onion of the Day: Juwan Howard and Mark Turgeron.