It’s not just what happened, its what will happen in the future. Looking at the risk assessment of retaining Beard: 1) How likely is Beard will be violent again, and against staff or students? This incident could put other interactions in a different context. 2) How likely will the relationship blow up? He’s gonna remain engaged with someone who falsely accused him? he’s poised to end it? or He’s the problem no matter who he’s involved with? 3) Are there past incidents, evidence, text messages, 911 calls, photos likely to embarrass/undermine decision to keep him? 4) How this incident impacts Beard’s ability to coach and recruit 5) PR hit is probably the least of the issues if the above risks are low. But a PR campaign to restore Beard’s reputation if you keep him is bound to backfire and represents another risk. Especially if you are dependent on Beard’s fiancee to cooperate. Going to the SEC Texas has inherent advantages that it can leverage - location, resources, branding. Making bad decisions and ignoring slow motion train wrecks is not an advantage going into the SEC. Regarding Beard, I really like his program building and intensity. X’s and O’s seemed solid. But his offenses are not elite. You look at the above and take a shot at doing better. It’s a dick shot for sure. But could pay dividends. I think if the rumors are true and his future wife is volatile, then I can see BMD not wanting the drama and hits to UT’s reputation. Whether Beard dumps her, she blackmails him, she airs all the dirty laundry, etc. Or they fight again. They dont want it.