Developing: Texas men's basketball head coach Chris Beard arrested for felony domestic assault

Share or Save for Later

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Save to Favorites

Update: January 5, 1:37 p.m.

The University of Texas has fired Chris Beard. Kirk Bohls of the Austin American Statesman was first to report. The reason for termination per the University is for cause. It's with immediate effect.

The program released a statement:

"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. 

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."

 

Update: 5:37 p.m.

Texas released a statement saying it has suspended Chris Beard without pay. Associate head coach Rodney Terry will serve as acting head coach for Monday night's game against Rice. Terry was previously head coach at UTEP before joining the Texas staff before the 2021-22 season.

 

Update: 1:26 p.m.

Austin Police Department has confirmed that the call came from the alleged victim, a woman, at Beard's residence. 

"On December 12, 2022, at approximately 12:15 a.m., the Austin Police Department (APD) received a 9-1-1 call for a disturbance in the 1900 block of Vista Lane. The caller reported the disturbance was no longer ongoing and one of the individuals had left the house. APD officers responded and located a woman who stated she had been assaulted and strangled by Christopher Michael Beard."

Texas men's basketball head coach Chris Beard was arrested Monday morning at 4:18 a.m. and charged with felony domestic assault of a family member for impeding breath circulation.

His bond has not been set. The Travis County Sheriff's Office has confirmed his detainment.

Beard is in his second season at Texas. The University released a statement following his arrest.

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

Texas is scheduled to host Rice Monday night. 

This article is available to our Digital Subscribers.
Click "Subscribe Now" to see a list of subscription offers.
Already a Subscriber? Sign In to access this content.

Sign In
Don't Miss Any Exclusive Coverage!

We've been the Bible of Texas football fans for 64 years. By joining the DCTF family you'll gain access to all of our exclusive content and have our magazines mailed to you!