Longhorns’ basketball coach Chris Beard was arrested for choking his fiancée and fired by the University of Texas. But his accuser now says the alleged assault could be considered self-defense. If these charges are dropped, will he get a buyout from his 7-year, $35 million contract?
Texas coach arrested for choking his fiancée
Chris Beard, the coach of the University of Texas men’s basketball team, was arrested nearly a month ago on a third-degree felony assault charge over allegations of strangling, biting, and assaulting his fiancée in their home, CBSSports reported.
Authorities were alerted to the incident just after midnight on December 12 by a 911 call, with the caller informing authorities the disturbance was no longer ongoing and one of the individuals had left the home, according to a statement released by the Austin Police Department.
“APD officers responded and located a woman who stated she had been assaulted and strangled by Christopher Michael Beard,” according to the police statement. ” Beard was booked into Travis County Jail. He is charged with Assault by Strangulation/Suffocation – Family Violence, a third degree felony.”
On December 13, the University of Texas suspended Beard indefinitely without pay. Roughly three weeks later, the University announced it was firing Beard.
Accuser retracts statement, says Beard may have been acting in self-defense
Randi Trew, Chris Beard’s fiancée, has retracted the statement that she first gave to police, saying that he may have acted in self-defense and that he never strangled her, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
“Chris and I are deeply saddened that we have brought negative attention upon our family, friends, and the University of Texas, among others,” Trew said in a statement. “As Chris’ fiancé [sic] 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,” Trew added. “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.”
If DA drops charges, will Beard still be eligible for a buyout from his 7-year, $35 million contract?
Sources told CBSSports that because Beard was fired for cause, he would not be entitled to any salary or buyout money from the seven-year, $35 million contract he signed with the Longhorns ahead of the 2021-22 season. His coaching agreement was set to run through 2028.
Beard’s attorneys believe DA will drop charges
After Beard’s firing, lawyers for the fired head coach sent a letter to the University’s Vice President of legal affairs.
“Your update to me this morning came as a shock, coming so far into this process and after positive developments that firmly support Coach Beard’s declaration that he is innocent of any crime and has not done anything that ‘(a) is unbecoming a head coach and reflects poorly on the University or (b) resulted in felony criminal charges,'” Perry Minton, Beard’s lawyer, wrote in the lengthy letter. “He was arrested, then his fiancée retracted her previously reported statement, and I expect that the Travis County District Attorney is very soon going to decline any and all charges in the matter.”
