Chris Beard’s fiancee releases statement saying he did NOT strangle her
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Chris Beard’s fiancee releases statement saying he did NOT choke her and apologizes for ‘the role I played in this unfortunate event’ after Texas Longhorns coach was arrested and suspended without pay
The fiancee of Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard released a statement Friday apologizing for “the role she played” in Beard’s domestic assault arrest earlier this month and saying Beard did not choke her. .
Texas, which suspended Beard indefinitely after the arrest, responded by saying its internal investigation is ongoing and is reviewing his fiancee’s statement.
Beard still faces one count of Third Degree Felony Assault by Strangulation/Choking: Family Violence.
He was booked into the Travis County Jail at 4:18 am local time on December 12, hours before Texas was to play a game against Rice.
Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard (L) walks out of the Travis County jail December 12 with attorney Perry Minton after an 11-hour lockdown for an alleged domestic violence incident.
Beard has been suspended by the Texas Longhorns basketball team without pay
A woman, later revealed to be Beard’s fiancée, called 911 at his home early that morning. She said that she had taken Beard’s reading glasses and broken them, and he responded by removing the glasses from her face.
She told police Beard “choke me, threw me out of bed, bit me, bruised my whole leg, threw me, and went berserk,” according to the arrest report.
But in Friday’s statement, she said she told police Beard had not strangled her.
“Chris and I are deeply saddened to have brought negative attention to our family, friends, and the University of Texas, among others,” the statement said. “As Chris’ fiancée and primary supporter, I apologize for the role I played in this unfortunate event.”
“I realize that my frustration, breaking his glasses, started a physical fight between me and Chris.
Chris didn’t choke me and I told the police that night. Chris has stated that he acted in self-defense, and I do not dispute that. I don’t think Chris was intentionally trying to harm me in any way.
It was never my intention to arrest or prosecute you. We appreciate everyone’s support and prayers during this difficult time.”
Austin police say they received a “riot” call after midnight and officers were dispatched to Vista Lane in a residential area of the Texas capital. Beard has a registered address on that street (pictured)
Beard told police he had audio recordings of the incident that showed he was not the “primary offender,” according to court documents. But when asked if he would share those recordings, he declined.
Beard posted $10,000 bail and was later released from the Travis County Jail.
Beard’s attorney, Perry Minton, told the Austin American-Statesman that his client “is 100 percent innocent of these charges.”
“He never should have been arrested,” Minton told the newspaper. The whistleblower wants him released immediately and all charges dismissed. It is truly inconceivable.
Austin police say they received a “riot” call after midnight and officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Vista Lane in a residential area of the Texas capital. Beard has a registered address on that street.
A so-called ‘hotshot’ is described on the department’s website as ‘incidents that are in progress’ [that] are an immediate threat to life and/or public safety.’