Rodney Terry reacts to news Chris Beard had domestic violence charge dropped

The Texas Longhorns survived a thrilling overtime matchup against their heated rival Oklahoma on Saturday. But after the game, current Longhorns head coach Rodney Terry was asked about former head coach Chris Beard. Terry, who was a part of Beard’s staff, was asked what his reaction was to the news of the former Longhorns’ domestic violence charge being dropped.

“You know what, I have not had a chance to speak directly to coach Beard. But again, like I’ve said before, I love him like my own brother,” said Terry. “I’ve always been very supportive of him and the type of man that he is both on and off the court. And his character, the way he carries himself. So, nothing but the utmost respect for him. And I know he’s gonna be a guy that continues to do great things in life.”

While Terry has respect for Beard on and off the court; his team has continued to flourish since Texas made the decision to terminate his former boss. But that success has not been without its hiccups and Saturday proved to be a tough Big 12 outing again.

Despite their record, Oklahoma has proven time and time this season that they are an opponent that should not be taken lightly. And they proved it again on Saturday when they forced the Longhorns to beat them in overtime. Texas was able to pull out the victory 85-83 thanks to the play of guard Sir’Jabari Rice. Rice finished the game with 24 points on 8-13 shooting from the field and 4-6 shooting from beyond the arc from off the bench.

Domestic violence charge vs Chris Beard dropped

The domestic violence charge against former Texas coach Chris Beard has been dropped, district attorney Jose Garza announced Wednesday. Beard was arrested in December and fired Jan. 5.

The alleged incident took place in the early morning hours Dec. 12 when Beard was arrested for assault on a family/household member. His fiancee, Randi Trew, alleged he strangled her and Beard said he acted in self defense. He was suspended indefinitely by Texas shortly thereafter.

But later in the month, Trew released a statement saying Beard didn’t strangle her and added she didn’t think he “intentionally” tried to harm her. She also called for the charges against him to be dropped.

After Texas announced Beard’s firing his attorney released a statement regarding the decision, reiterating Beard was innocent.

“Chris Beard is crushed at the news he will not be [coaching] at the University of Texas,” Beard’s attorney wrote. “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 fiance. 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 fiance 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.”