The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has filed a motion for the domestic violence charges against former Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard to be dismissed.
Beard was facing charges from a December 12 incident at his home when a fight with his fiancée apparently escalated. Police went to the residence and arrested him for alleged assault by strangulation/suffocation-family violence, a third-degree felony.
The police report claimed that Beard had assaulted Randi Trew by choking her, biting her, causing bruises, and throwing her around.
Beard was suspended indefinitely and eventually fired on January 5 after less than two seasons with the team. Since the incident, Rodney Terry has served as the program’s interim head coach.
Trew later retracted her comments, claiming that Beard might have been acting in self-defense and saying that she never wanted him arrested.
“Chris and I are deeply saddened that we have brought negative attention upon our family, friends, and the University of Texas, among others,” she said in a statement reported by CBS shortly after the incident.
“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,” she continued, per CBS.
“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,” her statement concluded, as reported by CBS.
District Attorney Jose Garza said, as reported by ESPN, that Trew’s statement was one of many aspects taken into account when reviewing the available evidence in this case. His office moved to dismiss the charges since they could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Beard’s lawyer, Perry Minton, maintained his client’s innocence throughout the process and released a statement after news of the motion for dismissal broke, according to ESPN and other media outlets.
“Everyone knows that Coach Beard has maintained his absolute innocence since the moment he was arrested,” Minton began, per ESPN.
“Additionally, the district attorney has a well-earned reputation for being very tough regarding domestic violence cases. The fact that Mr. Garza’s review resulted in this determination says a lot. We are very pleased,” the statement concluded.
Beard also released his own statement on Thursday:
“I am pleased with the announcement that the charges against me have been dismissed,” he said, per Burnt Orange Nation. “While I always had faith and confidence in the truth and this outcome, it has been extremely challenging to wait patiently and not publicly respond.”
He continued:
“I’m sorry and deeply remorseful to my family, friends, all my players and staff both most recent and past, and everyone at my alma mater The University of Texas, including the fans and supporters who were affected by this situation. I would also like to thank all those who have reached out to express encouragement and love during this difficult time.”
The university has declined requests for comment.