This. First rule of man-to-man disagreement (at least here in Waterloo): don't put your hands on the other guy. Period. Once you initiate putting your hands on somebody, the situation will typically spiral out of control. So IMO Gard is responsible for starting this. Running your mouth is acceptable; putting your hands to stop someone's movement is not. Gard should receive a 2 game suspension.
Howard demonstrated his immaturity by ordering his players to play/press until the final second, but then expecting the opposing coach to not do so. An entitlement mentality that typically won't play in the BTen. Then his girlie slap was almost humorous, and his claim he felt the need to "defend himself" might play if he was a white cop in MS and there was no video evidence, but in this case the video proves otherwise. He's a young, immature coach who's got a lot to learn. He should be suspended for the duration of the regular season, and allowed to coach his team in the NIT.
Any players or coaches who threw punches should be immediately suspended for the rest of the season and postseason. Simple.