Texas basketball parts ways with head coach Chris Beard amid legal trouble

The University of Texas has agreed to part ways with men’s basketball coach Chris Beard, Texas Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte announced in a statement on Thursday. The decision comes following his arrest for a third-degree felony domestic violence incident on Dec. 12, 2022.

“The University of Texas has parted ways with Chris Beard. 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,” said Del Conte, per the statement. “We thank Coach Rodney Terry for his exemplary leadership both on and off the court at a time when our team needed it most. We are grateful he will remain the acting head coach for the remainder of the season.

“We are proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, who throughout this difficult time have continued to make us proud to be Longhorns.”

He has not yet been to trial for the alleged crimes, and Beard’s lawyer has maintained his innocence. However, after being released on bail, Texas had previously suspended him without pay.

Beard was in the second year of his contract, after making a move from in-state rival Texas Tech following the 2020-21 season. In his only full season as Longhorns head coach, he reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Texas assistant Rodney Terry will continue to serve as interim head coach, a position he assumed ahead of the Longhorns’ game against Rice. Texas is currently ranked No. 6 in the country with an 12-2 record overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play following a 116-103 loss to Kansas State on Tuesday.

More on Chris Beard arrest

Beard was arrested at 4:18 a.m. Dec. 12 for assault on a family/household member. 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.”

A police report states that the Austin Police Department received a 9-1-1 call at approximately 12:15 am on Monday. The caller reported a disturbance was no longer ongoing and one individual involved in the disturbance had left the house. When police arrived, a woman stated she had been assaulted and strangled by Beard. The woman has not yet been identified by the police.

The third-degree felony is a result of the strangulation charge, which upgrades the crime from a misdemeanor in the state of Texas. The penalty if he is convicted can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Alleged victim supports Beard’s self-defense claim

His fiancee, Randi Trew, released a statement regarding the situation and said Beard didn’t strangle her.

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.”

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this article.