South Carolina women’s basketball standout Ashlyn Watkins was arrested on Saturday in Columbia, South Carolina, facing charges of kidnapping and assault, as reported by The Post and Courier.
While details surrounding the event remain unclear, Watkins is accused of “forcefully” grabbing the victim’s face, pulling her arms, and pushing her within a student housing facility on the University of South Carolina’s campus.
According to a warrant obtained by WLTX19, she allegedly “grabbed the victim’s head and forced her to walk down the hall,” effectively restricting the victim’s movements and preventing her from leaving the area.
The victim managed to escape by pulling a fire alarm, according to the report, and was subsequently treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
Watkins now faces charges of first-degree assault and battery, along with kidnapping. She has since been released on bond and is expected to appear in court in October.
South Carolina officials have acknowledged awareness of the arrest and are currently gathering more information, though no formal statement has been issued yet.
According to Yahoo Watkins is entering her third season with the Gamecocks. She averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last season as a sophomore while helping the program to a national championship.
South Carolina went 38-0 and beat Iowa in the national championship game to claim its second title in the past three seasons.
The Gamecocks are set to open their season Nov. 10 against North Carolina State.
Twitter is reacting to the story:
Everybody who saying kick Ashlyn Watkins off the team is only saying that in hopes of their team beating South Carolina. This situation is bigger than basketball. Idk the full story but she is still a young black person in this cruel world, let’s give her grace. pic.twitter.com/QDYRJychx2
— Dawn Staley x John Calipari (@dawncalipari) August 31, 2024
and
it’s the way that i just saw someone say that ashlyn watkins “should get grace because we don’t know the full story”… is “Ashlyn Watkins was arrested and charged with first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping” not the full story?? ok..
— naya (@n5aep) September 1, 2024
and
pic.twitter.com/1MVOvE8qI8
I never speak on athletes' personal lives, but this is the best player in Woman's College Hoops ???? Ashlyn Watkins, potential 1st overall pick in the #WNBA draft season may really be in jeopardy. https://t.co/ipmlWDjq1j— Global Utopia Sports (@GL8BAL_SPORTS) September 1, 2024
and
South carolina my favorite team but unless its some wild misunderstanding ashlyn watkins gotta get released from the team. Deion sanders got a zero arrest policy and i would imagine dawn do too.
— Dj Tiff (@BigTiffTho) September 1, 2024
and
Ashlyn watkins got arrested for kidnapping her ex gf this weekend..
I KNOW DAWN STALEY IN HER ASSSSSSS
— Big Sister General (@tcortecew) September 2, 2024
