Former Texas Longhorns Head Coach Chris Beard has had his felony domestic violence charges dropped by a Texas district attorney. According to Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza after reviewing the evidence in combination with the wishes of Beard’s fiancee, they have decided they could not prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Beard was arrested on December 12th after a 911 call and charged with assault by strangulation- family violence. His fiancee later said he was acting in self-defense and she never wanted him arrested. Texas suspended the Head Coach and then later fired him on January 5th.
(NBC) – Prosecutors are dismissing a domestic violence case against former Univ of Texas basketball coach Chris Beard, the Travis County District Attorney said, “after a careful and thorough review of the evidence, recent public statements” and the wishes of the woman involved.
— Louie Tran (@louie_tran) February 16, 2023
Chris Beard’s attorney Perry Minton released the following statement after the decision: “Everyone knows that Coach Beard has maintained his absolute innocence since the moment he was arrested. Additionally, this 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 so quickly says a lot. We are very pleased.”
District Attorney Jose Garza said the following about the decision: “Our office takes all domestic abuse cases seriously to ensure justice for the victims. In every case, we are obligated to evaluate the facts and evidence and do our best to reach an outcome that will keep the victim and our community safe.”
Now that the charges have been dropped against Chris Beard, he will likely be a candidate for head coaching jobs in the offseason. Texas moved on from him in January, but with him now without any charges there could be some programs that decide to give the talented Head Coach another shot with a job.
