A prosecutor moved to dismiss a felony domestic violence case against former Texas Longhorns men’s basketball coach Chris Beard on Wednesday, partly because the alleged victim did not wish to have him prosecuted.
Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said that following a review of the evidence, and considering the wishes of Randi Trew, Beard’s fiancée, he determined that the charge of assault by strangulation/suffocation-family violence could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Beard, who was fired by Texas following the incident and arrest, issued a statement after the announcement.
“I am pleased with the announcement that the charges against me have been dismissed. While I always had faith and confidence in the truth and this outcome, it has been extremely challenging to wait patiently and not publicly respond,” Beard said in a statement. “I’m sorry and deeply remorseful to my family, friends, all my players and staff both most recent and past, and everyone at my alma mater The University of Texas, including the fans and supporters who were affected by this situation. I would also like to thank all those who have reached out to express encouragement and love during this difficult time.”
Beard’s attorney also released a statement defending the result.
“Everyone knows that Coach Beard has maintained his absolute innocence since the moment he was arrested,” said Perry Minton, Beard’s attorney. “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.”
Beard certainly won’t be getting his old job back but it is probably only a matter of time before he gets a new coaching job someplace else.
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.
[ESPN]
