Longhorns Country

Ex Longhorns Coach Chris Beard Releases First Statement Since Firing

Former Texas Longhorns coach Chris Beard released his first public statement since being fired to acknowledge the third-degree felony assault charges against him that were dropped on Wednesday.
Zach Dimmitt|
Ex Longhorns Coach Chris Beard Releases First Statement Since Firing
Ex Longhorns Coach Chris Beard Releases First Statement Since Firing

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Texas Longhorns

The third-degree felony assault charges against former Texas Longhorns coach Chris Beard were officially dropped by Travis Country District Attorney Jose Garza on Wednesday.

And on Thursday, Beard released his first public statement since being fired to acknowledge the dropped charges.

"I am pleased with the announcement that the charges against me have been dismissed," Beard said. "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.

"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, 49, was arrested on Dec. 12 after police were called to his residence following an incident with his fiance. The University of Texas at Austin suspended Beard indefinitely before officially firing him on Jan. 5.

The Longhorns have been under the direction of Rodney Terry since Beard's firing, as he is now the acting head coach for the remainder of the season.

Beard was in his second season as the head coach of the Longhorns and had led Texas to a 29-13 record.

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

Zach Dimmitt is the Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI. He also contributes as a writer for the On SI channels of the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. He was previously the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Bills on SI, Philadelphia Eagles on SI and Seattle Seahawks on SI. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dimmitt received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He originally started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. In that time, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and has reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7

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