Ashyln Watkins, a standout player for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, has been arrested on charges of assault and battery as well as kidnapping. The incident occurred early Saturday morning at the university's housing center in Columbia, South Carolina.
The allegations against Watkins stem from an incident that occurred early Saturday morning at the housing center at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. According to a warrant from the University of South Carolina Police Department, Watkins is accused of assaulting the victim by "forcefully grabbing her face, pulling her arms and pushing."
The warrant further alleges that Watkins picked up the victim against her will and carried her as well as "grabbed "the victim's head and forced her to walk down the hall, thus controlling her movement while preventing her from leaving." The victim eventually got free and pulled the fire alarm, which led to police and fire officials arriving on the scene.
South Carolina Basketball Star Ashyln Watkins Arrested on Assault and Kidnapping Charges
The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Watkins has not yet commented on the allegations publicly, and a South Carolina women's basketball spokeswoman has stated that the school is aware of her arrest and is continuing to gather information.
Watkins was granted a $30,000 personal-recognizance bond and ordered to have no contact with the victim. She was also ordered to stay 1,000 feet from the victim's home, work, school, and place of worship. She was approved to travel out of state for basketball games and practices and is due in court on Oct. 25.
South Carolina Basketball Star Ashyln Watkins Arrested on Assault and Kidnapping Charges
Watkins is a rising junior forward for the Gamecocks, who won the national championship during the 2023-24 season. She averaged 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game last season and is expected to be a key contributor for South Carolina this season.
The arrest comes as a shock to many, as Watkins has been a model student-athlete throughout her collegiate career. She was a member of the SEC All-Freshman team in 2023 and was named to the SEC All-Defensive team last season.
South Carolina Basketball Star Ashyln Watkins Arrested on Assault and Kidnapping Charges
The University of South Carolina has a zero-tolerance policy for violence and has stated that it is cooperating fully with the investigation. The school has also offered counseling and support services to the victim.
The arrest has raised questions about Watkins' future with the Gamecocks. Head coach Dawn Staley has not yet commented on the situation, but it is likely that Watkins will face some type of disciplinary action from the university.
The incident has also sparked a discussion about the issue of violence against women in sports. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women in the United States experiences domestic violence in their lifetime.
Advocates for victims of domestic violence say that athletes are not immune to this problem and that it is important to speak out against violence in all forms. They also urge victims to seek help if they are experiencing abuse.
