Juwan Howard Returns, Says He Has Done ‘Soul Searching, Therapy’

As the Big Ten tournament opens up today in Indianapolis, Michigan coach Juwan Howard returns from his suspension a 'better man'.

In a press conference leading up to the Big Ten tournament, Howard showed remorse at the slapping incident following a game in February with Wisconsin that led to him sitting out the last five Wolverine games in the regular season.

A penitent Howard told reporters, “I can come with a thousand excuses, but I'm not. I take full ownership for my actions...the main thing is that is not the right way of how I should carry myself as a head coach of a fine institution like the University of Michigan"

Howard went on to say he did "some soul searching on how I can improve as a person."

He added that, "I sought therapy. This was not the first time, and it won't be the last time, because I want to be a better person. I want to be a better coach."

You can read a transcript of Howard's entire response below.

The words were generally received as authentic, but always the skeptics remain.

“I’m not going to make excuses, but here’s a list of excuses” said Scott H on Twitter, implying that the results remain to be seen.

I can relate to Juwan, I grew up in a rough place, and can be quick to anger when things get uncomfortable. It's a difficult when you come from environment where violence is an acceptable way to solve problems when in the 'real world' it's not. And like Juwan, I sought therapy, and it has been immensely beneficial.

The true test lies ahead with a possible rematch with Wisconsin in what will be a tense environment.