National

Chris Beard's fiancée says Texas coach didn't strangle her in statement

The fiancée of Texas men's basketball coach Chris Beard has released a statement saying he didn't strangle her in an alleged domestic violence encounter that led to his arrest and suspension.

In the statement, the woman apologized for the situation and said she initiated a physical confrontation with Beard, whom she said acted in self-defense. She also said she told law enforcement he did not strangle her that night.

The full statement, via Tony Plohetski of the Austin American-Statesman:

"Chris and I are deeply saddened that we have brought negative attention upon our family, friends, and the University of Texas, among others. As Chris' fiancé and biggest supporter, 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. 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 difficult time.

Beard was originally arrested early Monday morning last week and charged with third-degree assault on a family or household member/impeding breath circulation. He was later released on $10,000 bail with the condition that he not go within 200 yards of the alleged victim or the home they reportedly shared.

While the woman has since said she was responsible for the incident, an arrest affidavit obtained by The Austin-American Statesman said she told police that Beard choked her. Beard also reportedly claimed he had audio recordings showing he wasn't the primary aggressor, which he declined to share:

"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.

"Chris Beard told police that he has audio recordings showing he was not the primary aggressor. He was asked if he would be willing to share those audio recordings to which he said no."

After Beard's arrest, his Austin-based attorney Perry Minton released a statement to Austin media outlets reading "Coach Beard is 100 percent innocent of these charges. He should have never been arrested. The complainant wants him released immediately and all charges dismissed. It is truly inconceivable."

Texas suspended Beard indefinitely shortly before its game that Monday and has since played three games without him. The team has been playing with associate head coach Rodney Terry as its acting head coach.