Quotes from former Texas HC Chris Beard during Ole Miss press conference
Former Texas head coach Chris Beard is now the head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels. That’s great news for both parties as far as their on-court prospects, but not the strongest public relations move.
On a personal note, many hope Beard can rehabilitate and better himself after an alleged domestic altercation got him arrested. The only question is, was he given enough time to reflect and learn from the situation? Ole Miss doesn’t appear concerned about reflection time.
We’ve wrote that the incident in question is alleged, but Beard didn’t give much reason to doubt those claims in his press conference. When asked point blank about specific details, the now Ole Miss head coach offered no denial.
Here’s a look a some of what Beard had to say to his new school and fanbase.
No comment?
Chris Beard declines to talk about specifics of the night he was arrested pic.twitter.com/0vUFQBSNx1
— Travis Recek (@TravisRecek) March 14, 2023
Ole Miss faithful would probably like to hear a denial here, but Beard is committed not to discuss the issue. It’s within his rights, but not the answer you would like to hear.
Reports weren't true?
Chris Beard, on the incident that led to him being arrested.
‘What was reported December 12th has been proven to be not accurate. I appreciate Randi (Trew) for setting the truth..’
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) March 14, 2023
Beard shares that what was reported was not true. There’s still question about what was reported falsely.
Never lost optimism he'd coach again
Chris Beard says he never lost optimism on opportunity at coaching basketball again in the last 90 days
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) March 14, 2023
Beard must have plenty of optimism, because I had some doubt he would get the opportunity to coach again. Ole Miss might have moved faster than some expected.
We're here to win championships
“It’s not an arrogance, it’s a belief in what you’re capable of doing… we’re here to win championships, make Final Fours and play on Monday nights.” — New Ole Miss men’s head basketball coach Chris Beard pic.twitter.com/4rKunpbKeu
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) March 14, 2023
To his credit, Beard’s championship aspirations helped Texas players believe they were capable of winning at the highest level. The Longhorns could be set up for a Final Four run this year because of that belief.
That's not me
'That's not me:' New Ole Miss basketball coach Chris Beard says arrest details are inaccuratehttps://t.co/ErEmnk58tu
— David Eckert (@davideckert98) March 14, 2023
We’d all like to believe the allegations are not accurate of Beard. And if they are, hopefully he is making significant changes.
Recruiting
Beard: "The recruiting right now is non-stop."
Says the first step is meeting with current players to develop relationships and determine if it's in their mutual best interest to stay at Ole Miss.
— David Eckert (@davideckert98) March 14, 2023
Texas could have a challenger in recruiting. It’s imperative the Longhorns succeed in this NCAA Tournament and hold on to key players.
Success is on the way
Beard now at the podium: "I can promise you that success is coming sooner than later."
Says he looks forward to seeing everyone here for next season's selection show.
— David Eckert (@davideckert98) March 14, 2023
Ole Miss could be really good at basketball quickly. There’s no denying what a great basketball coach Beard has been over at Arkansas-Little Rock, Texas Tech and Texas.
