UT Coach Chris Beard’s Fiancé Denies He Strangled Her, Felony Charge Likely To Be Dropped
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The fiancé of the University of Texas Longhorns men’s basketball head coach Chris Beard released a statement Saturday denying that Beard strangled her.
“Chris did not strangle me,” she wrote. “It was never my intent to have him arrested or prosecuted,” the woman continued.
Beard was arrested Monday morning after a domestic incident and is facing a felony charge.
Beard, 49, was charged with assault on family/household member impede breath circulation.
A spokesperson for the Austin Police Dept. said officers responded to “a disturbance” at an Austin home around 12:15 AM on Monday and arrested Beard.
In Beard’s arrest affidavit, the woman allegedly told police that Beard “choked me, threw me off the bed, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around, and going nuts.”
She claimed the alleged choking lasted for five seconds and impeded her breathing, according to police and reports from The Statesman.
However, in a new statement she is putting forth a new narrative, claiming she told law enforcement that he did not strangle her.
Without the woman’s cooperation, it is possible that the charges may end up being dropped.
Beard claimed to have recordings that he says also prove he was not the initial aggressor.
Attorney Perry Minton is repping Beard. He claims the woman who accused Beard wants all charges dismissed, which means she likely will not cooperate with a prosecution.
“Coach Beard is 100 percent innocent of these charges. He should have never been arrested,” Minton said.
Beard is presently suspended as the school investigates the allegations. Assistant Coach Rodney Terry has assumed head coach position in the interim.
Reporter Tony Plohetski from the Statesman, released her full statement on Twitter.
“Chris and I are deeply saddened that we have brought negative attention upon our family, friends, and the University of Texas, among others,” the woman wrote. “As Chris’ fiancé and biggest supporter, I apologize for the role I played in this unfortunate event. I realize that my frustration, when breaking his glasses, initiated a physical struggle between Chris and myself. Chris did not strangle me, and I told that to law enforcement that evening. Chris has stated that he was acting in self-defense, and I do not refute that. I do not believe Chris was trying to intentionally harm me in any way. It was never my intent to have him arrested or prosecuted. We
appreciate everyone’s support and prayers during this difficult time.”
The school said in a statement, “The University is aware of the situation regarding Chris Beard. We are continuing to gather information and monitoring the legal process.”
Beard, a former Longhorns player, is coaching his second season at UT. Last year, he led the Longhorns to a 22-12 record and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. This year, the team has a 7-1 start.
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