Sanderson filed formal HR complaint against Howard per Brendan Quinn

Submitted by GoBlue96 on December 13th, 2023 at 1:36 PM

https://theathletic.com/5134471/2023/12/13/juwan-howard-michigan-basketball/

According to three team and university sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak publicly on internal university personnel issues, Sanderson filed an HR claim following a heated dispute with Howard on Dec. 7..

...

The confrontation between Howard and Sanderson stemmed from a disagreement between an athletic trainer and senior guard Jace Howard, Juwan’s 22-year-old son. Jace Howard has not played this season with a stress fracture in his right knee and tibia, and questioned why he’s yet to be cleared to play. 

[ED- I cut the quoted part down. Please don't c/p most of someone's article] 

bronxblue

December 13th, 2023 at 2:50 PM ^

See, this is useful information to know and not the usual "vibes are bad" schlock we've heard.

It still just sounds like two men yelling, but if HR decides it wasn't appropriate and rises to a level that's considered a violation of that earlier policy then I suspect Howard will be gone. It would be pretty dumb reason in my eyes and I assume would also lead to Sanderson leaving, but I also suspect Sanderson isn't the type to seek an HR investigation without reason.

 

Michuganer

December 13th, 2023 at 2:55 PM ^

Howard was fortunate to inherit one of the best programs in the country, and he brought it into the gutter. The complete opposite of Beilein's tenure. This sucks!

Darup

December 13th, 2023 at 2:58 PM ^

This was likely recommended by Sanderson's attorney. It could provide him some protection from firing over this incident. Remember this was an altercation with his boss, Juwan Howard. The HR complaint would make it hard for Juwan to fire him without it being considered retaliation. 

Imjesayin

December 13th, 2023 at 3:01 PM ^

When you have a team (including coaches, trainers, etc.) that is as small as a college basketball program is, if you have to get HR involved, it’s gone beyond just 2 guys getting frustrated and losing their cool. 

If you go outside the team rather than squash it and shake hands, there’s a real problem. Just not good. 

UMChick77

December 13th, 2023 at 3:13 PM ^

This makes me sad for multiple reasons. I was very happy Juwan came back to the university to be the HC. I had a lot of high hopes and supportive of him, even with the issue against Wisconsin's coach.

Unfortunately, this is starting to seem more like a dad who has rose colored glasses when it comes to his son who sees he can do no wrong. There's nothing wrong with wanting to defend your son, but at the same time as a parent, you do your kid zero favors by not being objective.

I don't know what exactly transfired, none of us do, but this is coming across as Jace having a bratty entitled response to his situation and Sanderson allowing his frustration to bubble. Could Sanderson probably said something differently with words and tone? Probably, but for things to have gotten this bad where a very long time, well thought of member of the MBB had to go to HR, makes me feel Juwan's reaction was over the top.

Calipari, love or loathe him, was a good example on how to coach your own kid. While his son Brad was a member of the team, Cal had no delusions (nor Brad himself) about his ability. His play time was limited and didn't try to make him the star piece of the team. Seems like Juwan could have learned a bit from that example. Just my two cents. 

 

BoCanHam15

December 13th, 2023 at 3:25 PM ^

Whew, I love UMChicks.  I literally married one.  But, when you start using the words,"good" and "example" next to coach Cal!  I'll have to recommend you reconsider.  However, you're entitled to your own opinions.  Yeah Juwan isn't a good example of how to coach your kid and coach Cal is.  Lord have mercy.  I'll be putting in for a sabbatical from this post for the upcoming week.

BoCanHam15

December 13th, 2023 at 3:51 PM ^

So I'll leave this with you.  Jett is in the NBA.  Hard to deal with one and dones; even if they are your son.  Jace ok I get that he might not average 4 points a game in his career.  However as a coach, parent, teacher, mentor among other things.  Some things are,"NOT" created equal.  I can tell you this and with all sincerity you cannot compare Brad, to any of Howard's sons.  You don't have to manage a player when he averages 0.5 points a game!  It's a better comparison let's say Coach izzo's son to Coach Cal's.  But hey let's keep the good and leave the bad.

UMChick77

December 13th, 2023 at 4:30 PM ^

Fair point but my issue isn't so much with Juwan and Jett as it is with Jace. Jace seems to be "built up" higher than what his talent might be. I could be totally wrong but that's my impression. Just saying if smoke is being blown up Jace's behind or he's getting special considerations/treatment because it is his son, and Juwan getting offended because it's being called out in some way, shape or form, that's a problem. Rose colored glasses and all that. 

MGoHomeUrDrunk

December 13th, 2023 at 4:47 PM ^

I'm not sure where this narrative comes from with Jace. He's averaged like 5 mins a game in his career. The circumstances of his playing time seem completely fair and for his limited time, he's performed at a fine level. It's not like he's been elevated to a starter and played 30 mins a game while contributing nothing. He's not been treated like a Jett level talent.

SysMark

December 13th, 2023 at 3:19 PM ^

There's a good possibility this wasn't the first incident.

At this point it would not be surprising to see him resign due to personal issues, and his son sit out the year and transfer.  Unfortunate situation but at least Martelli is there for now.  It won't help recruiting

MadMatt

December 13th, 2023 at 3:19 PM ^

Perhaps we can all wait for the rumors and anonymous sources chatter to die down, and let the process/investigation give us a more reliable account of what happened before we jump to all our opinions? Isn't that what we wanted the B1G Commissioner to do with d'affaire Stallions?

mackbru

December 13th, 2023 at 4:01 PM ^

Where are all the posters who claimed Quinn was full of shit last week just because he dared to report facts they didn't like?

Assuming Quinn's reporting is true -- and it appears to be -- Juwan has to go.

imdwalrus

December 13th, 2023 at 4:24 PM ^

Also...I know the article is paywalled, but the "it was just two people yelling" crowd really needs to shut up.

Sanderson became involved in that dispute, and he and Juwan Howard exchanged words. According to a combination of witnesses and individuals briefed on the matter, no punches were thrown, but things became heated to the point where the two were separated.

If it got to the point where people thought they needed to intervene and separate them? Yeah, Howard is gone.

MGoHomeUrDrunk

December 13th, 2023 at 4:37 PM ^

Well, the good news is: this incident happened in a place with many witnesses meaning the investigation should be relatively straight forward. Sanderson's side is detailed in his complaint. Howard's side will be easy to obtain. Then you talk to the number of witnesses separately and see what facts their stories corroborate or refute.

With the incident and HR report filing leaked to the media, it cannot simply be brushed under the rug. The athletic department will issue a ruling and make a public statement.

TheJuiceman

December 13th, 2023 at 4:41 PM ^

So now we're having GLIAC all stars questioning our world class trainers on why they aren't able to play?? For Michigan? In Crisler Center??

And still some of you are surprised that a coach who was here at our best questions he and his daddy and the culture?? Are you purposely being obtuse??? 

buddhafrog

December 13th, 2023 at 5:15 PM ^

I will die a Fab Five Michigan fan. I love Juwan. And even I would be not bothered to see him go. In fact, I'd rather keep Sanderson than Juwan at this point. If he leave, I'll still love him. If he stays, I'll sure hope for the best but I have my significant doubts

buddhafrog

December 14th, 2023 at 1:17 AM ^

"and questioned why he’s yet to be cleared to play"

Sanderson is asking this? Jace? I don't get the meaning. Everything previously said Jace was mad at a trainer who gave him a hard time for missing training.

Koop

December 14th, 2023 at 9:47 AM ^

I love Coach Howard. I'm grateful for Coach Howard.

I overlapped with Juwan Howard for a split-second at Michigan. I graduated undergrad in spring '91, came back for law school in summer (May) '94. I (seem to) remember seeing him come into the Campus Corner while I was there. I was in awe.

Coach Howard kept his promise to his grandmother and finished his degree. Coach Howard loved Michigan enough to come back and lead Michigan to two Sweet 16's, when he could have been making NBA coaching money or just living off the rings he already had. Michigan owes Coach Howard a debt Michigan can never repay.

And it's pretty obvious where this is going. 

Please, Coach Howard: do the right thing. Announce that you need to retire for your health and family--both true--and let Michigan celebrate you while starting the transition to the next phase.