The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor student newspaper The Michigan Daily tried to make some waves with their cover story marking the firing of head basketball coach and school legend Juwan Howard. But after kicking a hornet’s nest with their choices, they’re changing course.
Following the announcement that Howard would not be returning to the team, the outlet’s cover story dubbed him the “Fab Failure.” Howard was fired following an 8-24 season and two straight seasons without reaching the NCAA Tournament.
But while the Wolverines were more than justified in firing Howard, fans did not appreciate The Michigan Daily rubbing salt in the wound and implying that he is seen as a failure by the university. Howard was famously a member of the legendary Fab Five, earning All-American honors and helping the school reach back-to-back national title games in 1992 and 1993.
So in response to the cover, tons of angry replies were left for the publication along with demands for The Michigan Daily to release an apology.
As of a short while ago, The Michigan Daily has responded to the backlash. Taking to X, they have pledged to change their cover for their upcoming story.
Following a disastrous season, @umichbball has parted ways with former coach Juwan Howard.
This week’s front cover: Fab Failure. pic.twitter.com/pdjHEqpEdk
— Michigan Daily Sports (@theblockm) March 18, 2024
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
“UPDATE: The Michigan Daily’s March 20 issue will print with an alternate front page,” the outlet wrote.
Unfortunately, that may not be enough. Many fans in the comments insist that they should publicly apologize to Howard for representing him that way. Though some believe that the publication should stand by what they said and own it.
Do you think the outlet owes Howard an apology?