In a shocking turn of events, South Carolina women’s basketball standout Ashlyn Watkins finds herself at the center of a legal storm.
The 6-foot-3 forward, known for her dynamic presence on the court and making history as the first player in program history to dunk in a game, has been arrested and charged with assault and battery, along with kidnapping, following an incident that unfolded early Saturday morning.
According to court documents filed by the University of South Carolina Police Department, the altercation took place at a student housing center on 650 Lincoln Street, just steps away from campus.
Ashlyn Watkins is accused of forcefully grabbing the victim’s face, pulling her by her arms, and pushing her.
The situation escalated when Watkins allegedly picked up the victim against her will and carried her.
The warrant details that she “grabbed the victim’s head and forced her to walk down the hall,” effectively controlling her movements and preventing her from leaving the scene.
The victim, whose identity remains protected, eventually broke free and pulled a fire alarm, summoning police and fire personnel to the location.
She was treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Disturbingly, the entire incident was reportedly captured on video surveillance.
During a bond hearing on Saturday afternoon, where cameras were not permitted, prosecutors disclosed that both Ashlyn Watkins and the victim were acquainted.
Watkins’ attorney, Todd Rutherford, urged the public to reserve judgment, hinting at a potential misunderstanding.
“We believe once everybody has a full grasp of what happened, this will end up being a misunderstanding,” Rutherford stated.
“What we know for certain is that Ashlyn did not assault anyone and she did not kidnap anyone.”
Watkins was granted a $30,000 personal recognizance bond and has been ordered to have no direct or indirect contact with the victim – who was referred to as a minor.
She must stay at least 1,000 feet away from the victim’s home, workplace, school, and place of worship, though she has been permitted to travel out of state for basketball games and practices.
Ashlyn Watkins is scheduled to make her next court appearance on October 25.
For many fans, this news is as surprising as it is unsettling.
Watkins, a Columbia native and former Cardinal Newman High School star, has been a pivotal player for the Gamecocks, contributing significantly to their recent national championship run.
Last season, she averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and led her team with 91 blocks, cementing her reputation as a powerhouse on the court.
“We believe once everybody has a full grasp of what happened, this will end up being a misunderstanding,” Watkins’ attorney, Todd Rutherford said. “What we know for certain is that Ashlyn did not assault anyone and she did not kidnap anyone.”
While her attorney maintains her innocence, the legal proceedings ahead will undoubtedly cast a shadow over her rising career.
As the University of South Carolina continues to gather information, supporters and skeptics alike are left grappling with this unexpected narrative twist involving one of their star athletes.
For now, the public waits to see how this legal drama unfolds for Ashlyn Watkins and what impact, if any, it will have on her future with the Gamecocks.
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Sources: AP News, WLTX News 19
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