Ex-UT coach expresses remorse
AUSTIN — A day after Travis County prosecutors declined to pursue domestic violence charges against him, former Texas basketball coach Chris Beard issued a statement with his first public comments since his Dec. 12 arrest.
“I am pleased with the announcement that the charges against me have been dismissed,” Beard said in his statement Thursday. “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.”
Travis Country District Attorney Jose Garza moved on Wednesday to dismiss the case after his office determined the felony offense could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a statement, Garza said the decision was made in accordance with the alleged victim’s wishes and following a “careful and thorough review of the evidence.”
Thursday’s games UTSA 84, RICE 79
John Buggs III’s 23 points helped the Roadrunners take down the host Owls.
MARYLAND 68 NO. 3 PURDUE 54
Jahmir Young scored 20 points as the Terrapins used a dominant stretch in the middle of the second half to take down the visiting Boilermakers.
LAMAR 91 HOUSTON CHRISTIAN 75
Nate Calmese tallied 32 points as the host Cardinals rolled to a big win over the Huskies.
NO. 8 ARIZONA 88 UTAH 62
Kerr Kriisa had 17 points and six assists and Courtney Ramey added 13 points as the Wildcats routed the visiting Utes.
NO. 17 ST. MARY’S 62 SAN DIEGO 59
Mitchell Saxen had 17 points and 10 rebounds as the Gaels held off the hobbled but determined Toreros.
UTSA 66, RICE 53
Ashlee Austin came off the bench to score 17 points but the visiting Owls fell to the host Roadrunners.
AUBURN 65 TEXAS A&M 55
Sydney Bowles had 12 points and Jada Malone added 10 in the Aggies’ loss to the host Tigers.
NO. 1 SOUTH CAROLINA 87 FLORIDA 56
Zia Cooke scored 22 points as the host Gamecocks won their 32nd straight game, taking down the Gators.
NO. 2 INDIANA 68 NO. 12 MICHIGAN 52
Mackenzie Holmes scored 27 points as the Hoosiers forced 21 turnovers to beat the visiting Wolverines.
NO. 5 LSU 69 MISSISSIPPI 60
Angel Reese had a season-high 36 points, carrying the host Tigers over the Rebels.
LAMAR 71 HOUSTON CHRISTIAN 63
Kennedy Wilson poured in 22 points as the Huskies fell short on the road vs. the Cardinals.