University of Texas Men’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Beard Arrested, Facing Felony Charge

NCAA Basketball: Jimmy V Classic-Illinois at Texas
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The University of Texas Longhorns men’s basketball head coach Chris Beard is facing a felony charge after he was arrested and booked into Travis County, Texas jail Monday morning at 2:18 am.

Beard, 49, was charged with assault on family/household member impede breath circulation.

Officials say he allegedly assaulted one of his family/household members. APD Spokesperson Brandon Jones stated that “it is alleged that Beard strangled a person at a home.”

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.

Reporter Ryan Autullo said Beard claims to have recordings proving he wasn’t the initial aggressor. The woman also claimed the pair had been arguing for days.

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.

The Longhorns beat Arkansas last Saturday. The team’s next game is Monday against Rice.

Texas nabbed Beard away from its Big 12 rival Texas Tech last year. Beard spent five seasons at Texas Tech and had a 112-55 record. He helped Texas Tech reach the national title game in 2019.

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