Chris Beard’s fiancée apologized Friday for claiming he had choked her, an allegation that led to his arrest and later suspension as head basketball coach of the Texas Longhorns.
Randi Trew released a statement through her attorney saying, “Chris did not strangle me,” and “I apologize for the role I played in this unfortunate event.”
Just in: Randi Trew, Chris Beard’s fiancée, released this statement Friday evening through her attorney. Trew states, “Chris did not strangle me, and I told that to law enforcement that evening.” Arrest report claimed otherwise. pic.twitter.com/xYBsEcU8OA
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) December 23, 2022
Those allegations led to Beard’s arrest Dec. 12 for third-degree felony assault on a family/household member. As Trew’s allegations became known, Texas suspended Beard without pay indefinitely. He earns roughly $5 million per year including benefits. Associate head coach Rodney Terry is serving as acting head coach.
The University of Texas issued a statement after Trew’s remarks became public Friday.
“We are reviewing the statement from Randi Trew,” the statement read (via the Austin American-Statesmen. “This matter is the subject of an internal investigation and the university does not comment on pending investigations.”
University of Texas issues a statement:
"We are reviewing the statement from Randi Trew. This matter is the subject of an internal investigation and the university does not comment on pending investigations."
— Ryan Autullo (@RyanAutullo) December 24, 2022
Trew had initially told investigators that Beard “threw me off the bed, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around, and going nuts.”
She walked those claims back in Friday’s statement.
“Chris and I are deeply saddened that we have brought negative attention upon our family, friends, and the University of Texas, among others,” Trew said in her statement. “As Chris’ fiancée 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.”
Beard had vehemently denied the allegations through his attorney, and Trew agreed that he never intended her harm.
“Chris has stated that he was acting in self-defense, and I do not refute that,” Trew’s statement said. “I do not 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.”
Sports fans were baffled by Trew’s change of heart.
“Those silly cops and the crazy stuff they’ll write down that comes straight out of the victim’s mouth,” tweeted Michelle Young.
“Dude is actually going to get away with this,” tweeted Matt Marsden.
“There is no good defense for what happened. Abused women typically defend their abuser,” tweeted another person.
“Evidence speaks to the contrary,” tweeted the Cactus Inquirer.
Those silly cops and the crazy stuff they’ll write down that comes straight out for the victim’s mouth. 😳 uhhhh too bad Everyone saw this coming. Pretty sad.
— Michelle Young (@MsMichelleYoung) December 23, 2022
Dude is actually going to get away with this
— Matt Marsden (@morningmarsden) December 23, 2022
There is no good defense for what happened. Abused women typically defend their abuser.
— Hill Crunchy Bear (@JRausch_Aggie94) December 24, 2022
https://twitter.com/CactusEnquirer/status/1606464804851425280
[Matt Norlander, CBS Sports, Ryan Autullo, Austin Statesman]
