AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The University of Texas announced Thursday it has fired men's basketball coach Chris Beard.
The move comes more than three weeks after Beard was arrested by Austin Police on a third-degree felony family violence charge.
UT Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte addressed Beard's firing in a statement released Thursday afternoon. "This has been a difficult situation that we've been diligently working through. Today I informed Mr. Beard of our decision to terminate him effective immediately."
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Beard was arrested around 4 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 12, after officers were called to a home in the 1900 block of Vista Lane. He was charged with Assault by Strangulation/Suffocation - Family Violence, which is a third-degree felony.
UT suspended Beard indefinitely without pay shortly after the arrest became public. Beard, through his attorney Perry Minton, has maintained his innocence.
Minton released a statement on behalf of Beard Thursday after the UT announcement.
“Chris Beard is crushed at the news he will not be coaching at the University of Texas. At the outset of Coach Beard’s suspension, The University promised they would conduct an independent investigation surrounding the allegations and make a decision regarding his employment only after they had done so. They proceeded to terminate Coach Beard without asking a single question of him or his fiancé. Since the arrest, there have only been positive developments clearly demonstrating his innocence. Additionally, it is my opinion shared by others that any potential charges against Coach Beard will be declined very soon. This is in addition to the statements made by his fiancé that emphatically state that the original reports were inaccurate. I am concerned that the University of Texas has made a terrible decision against the interest of the University, based on Twitter feeds and editorials – and not the facts concerning a truly innocent man. The University has violated their agreement with the coach and we are devastated.”
Beard's fiancée, Randi Trew, told officers prior to Beard's arrest that he choked her from behind, bit her, and hit her when the two got into an argument the morning of Dec. 12, according to Beard's arrest affidavit. In a later public statement on Dec. 23, Trew denied telling police that he choked her, and that she never intended for him to be arrested or prosecuted.
“Chris did not strangle me, and I told that to law enforcement that evening," Trew said. “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.”
“Chris and I are deeply saddened that we have brought negative attention upon our family, friends, and the University of Texas, among others,” the statement continued. “As Chris’ fiancée 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.”
The Travis County District Attorney's office said Wednesday it is still reviewing evidence in the case, along with recent statements including Trew's. The first court hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 18, according to court records.
Beard became the school's head coach in 2019, after leading Texas Tech to an NCAA national championship game appearance and falling to Virginia. He was 29-13 over part of two seasons.
Rodney Terry, the team's associate head coach, will continue to serve as the Longhorns' acting head coach for the remainder of the season. The Horns (12-2, 1-1 Big 12) will next play Oklahoma State on Saturday at 11 a.m.