The University of Texas fired Longhorns men’s basketball head coach Chris Beard on Thursday, less than a month after his December 12 arrest on domestic violence charges.
Boroda, 49, has been working as a head basketball coach for the second season.
Here’s what we know so far:
Was Chris Beard fired or resigned?
Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte informed Byrd of the school’s decision to fire him for good cause on Thursday. According to documents obtained by American-Statesman under the Freedom of Information Act, Byrd was offered to resign but declined.
Why was Chris Beard arrested?
Beard was arrested on December 12 on charges of third-degree domestic violence after an argument with his fiancée.
He was suspended by the university without pay effective December 12 after his fiancée, Randy True, called the Austin police and told them that Beard had strangled, bitten, and abraded her. He was imprisoned in the Travis County Jail and released later that day after posting $10,000 bail.
Chris Byrd accuser says it could have been self-defense
Beard’s fiancée, who told Austin police he shot her during a heated argument, now says the Texas men’s basketball coach may have acted in self-defense and that he never strangled her.
Tru said she didn’t believe the coach was trying to harm her and that she didn’t want him arrested.
“Chris and I are deeply saddened that we have brought negative attention to our family, friends, and the University of Texas, among others,” Trew said.
District Attorney Travis’ office is looking into Chris Byrd’s case.
The Travis County District Attorney’s office confirmed Wednesday that prosecutors are reviewing the case against Byrd to determine if it will proceed.
In its first public comments since Byrd’s arrest, the office said it was “evaluating all evidence, including recent statements and all evidence gathered by law enforcement.”
When the review may be completed is unknown.
