University of Texas comments on latest revelation from Chris Beard investigation, updates process

Friday night, Randi Trew — fiancee of suspended Texas coach Chris Beard — released a statement clarifying his arrest and calling for the charges against him to be dropped. It was quite a turn in the legal saga, and the Longhorns released a statement of their own shortly thereafter.

Trew said Beard didn’t strangle her, as was previously stated, and did not dispute Beard’s comments saying he acted in self defense. He was charged with assault of a family/household member, which is a third degree felony, and suspended indefinitely following his arrest. The university said it’s reviewing the matter.

“We are reviewing the statement from Randi Trew,” the statement read, via The Athletic’s Dana O’Neil. “This matter is the subject of an internal investigation and the university does not comment on pending investigations.”

Beard is in the second season at the helm of his alma mater and associate head coach Rodney Terry took over as interim head coach after his Dec. 12 arrest.

Chris Beard’s fiancee releases statement clarifying his arrest, calls for charges to be dropped

Beard was charged with assault on a family/household member — a third degree felony. He allegedly strangled a woman, later revealed to be Trew, and was suspended indefinitely shortly thereafter.

Beard also stated he acted in self-defense, and Trew’s statement didn’t refute that.

“Chris and I are deeply saddened that we have brought negative attention upon our family, friends, and the University of Texas, among others,” Trew wrote. “As Chris’ fiancé 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.

“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.”

Beard was arrested at 4:18 a.m. Dec. 12 — the same day the Longhorns were supposed to play Rice. The report also stated that he was impeded breath circulation to the individual. Austin Police were responding to a, “disturbance hot shot,” at 12:15 a.m., CBS Sports later learned. Texas then released a statement in response to the news.

“The University is aware of the situation regarding Chris Beard,” the statement read. “We are continuing to gather information and monitoring the legal process.”