Details are extremely limited. but CBS19 will update this article as more information becomes available.
AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas men’s head basketball coach was arrested early Monday morning by Austin police.
According to Travis County judicial records, Christopher (Chris) Michael Beard, 49, was taken into custody around 4:20 a.m. for assault on a family member – impeding breath circulation.
CBS19’s sister station, KVUE, reports the Austin Police Department responded to a disturbance call just after 2 a.m. Monday at a residence in the Tarrytown area. Police say Beard allegedly strangled someone at the home.
He was booked into the Travis County Jail on the third-degree felony charge.
KVUE received the following statement from UT officials regarding Beard’s arrest:
“The University is aware of the situation regarding Chris Beard. We are continuing to gather information and monitoring the legal process.”
According to KVUE, Beard’s attorney, Perry Minton, says his client should not be in jail.
“Coach Beard is 100% innocent of these charges,” Minton said. “He should have never been arrested. The complainant wants him released immediately and all charges dismissed. It is truly inconceivable.”
Beard, a Texas grad, was named the Longhorns’ 25th head men’s basketball coach on April 2, 2021.
The No. 6 Longhorns (7-1) are set to take on the Rice Owls Monday at 7 p.m. at The Moody Center. It is unclear if Beard or an assistant will lead the team.
CBS19 will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.