College basketball fans woke up to the disturbing news that Texas Longhorns men’s basketball coach Chris Beard was arrested overnight and charged with assault on a family member, reportedly involving choking. Now, details are beginning to emerge and the allegations sound horrific.
Beard, who was charged with a third-degree felony, was released from an Austin jail on Monday afternoon. Soon after, Austin American-Statesman reporter Ryan Autullo obtained Chris Beard’s arrest affidavit and shared some shocking allegations.
“A woman told police Beard ‘choked me, threw me off the bed, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around, and going nuts,'” wrote Autullo. “She said the choking lasted for five seconds and impeded her breathing, police say.”
NEW: The Statesman has obtained Chris Beard's arrest affidavit.
A woman told police Beard "choked me, threw me off the bed, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around, and going nuts."
She said the choking lasted for five seconds and impeded her breathing, police say.
— Ryan Autullo (@RyanAutullo) December 12, 2022
Autullo also reported that Beard “told police that he has audio recordings showing he was not the primary aggressor.” However, according to Autullo, when asked if he would share those recordings, “he said no.”
While Beard will get his day in court, Texas law is very strong on family violence. Per a criminal defense office in the state, the Texas coach could face a harsh penalty if prosecuted and found guilty, saying “even if it was a first-time offense, choking can still lead to being charged with a third-degree felony carrying up to 2-10 years in a Texas prison.”
It remains to be seen if the University of Texas takes any action with Beard.
UPDATE: The full police report has been released with the alleged victim’s name redacted. The details are even more disturbing.
Here is the official arrest report for Texas men's basketball coach Chris Beard (I removed the victim's name) pic.twitter.com/kROHOvJfxQ
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) December 12, 2022
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence at 800-799-7233 and visit www.thehotline.org.
