There was another update regarding the saga of Texas basketball second-year head coach Chris Beard on Dec. 23. A tweet from Tony Plohetski of the Austin American-Statesman on the evening of Dec. 23 showed a statement that Beard’s fiancee, Randi Trew, made on the allegations against him.
Here is what the statement from Trew that was released on Dec. 23 read.
"“Chris and I are deeply saddened that we have brought negative attention upon our family, friends and the University of Texas, among others,” the statement read. “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 has stated that he was acting in self-defense, and I do not refute that. I do 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 time.”"
Texas basketball head coach Chris Beard’s fiancee releases statement, University of Texas-Austin responds
BREAKING: The fiancé of UT basketball coach Chris Beard has released a statement saying that “Chris did not strangle me” and that “It was never my intent to have him arrested or prosecuted.” She also said she does not refute that he acted in self defense. Full statement below: pic.twitter.com/QXVgxeOHwz
— Tony Plohetski (@tplohetski) December 23, 2022
The statement from Trew says that Beard “did not strangle her” when the original arrest was made on Dec. 12.
The University of Texas-Austin responded to the statement made by Trew, as reported by Dana O’Neil of The Athletic on Dec. 23.
Here is the reported statement from UT on this matter.
"“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.”"
From Texas re Chris Beard: “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.”
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) December 24, 2022
Plohetsky originally reported on Dec. 12 that Beard was arrested and booked by Austin police in Travis County early that morning. Beard was originally booked at 4:18 a.m. CT in jail in Travis County on Dec. 12. Beard faced “a third-degree felony charge of assault on a family/household member-impede breath circulation”, according to Plohetsky’s report on Dec. 12 from the Austin American-Statesman.
This is a developing story and we will continue to monitor for any updates that come about.