South Carolina national championship-winning forward Ashlyn Watkins was arrested on Saturday on charges of assault and battery and kidnapping. Watkins, a rising 6-foot-3 junior, played a key role in the Gamecocks' undefeated national championship season last year.
According to online judicial records for Richland County, Watkins was granted a $30,000 personal recognizance bond. She was ordered to have no contact with the victim, who remains unnamed in the records. Watkins was also instructed to stay 1,000 feet away from the victim's home, work, school, and place of worship.
Watkins is allowed to travel out of state for basketball games and practices but is scheduled to appear in court on October 25. The warrant filed by the University of South Carolina Police Department alleges that Watkins forcefully grabbed the victim's face, pulled her arms, and pushed her. It further states that Watkins picked up the victim against her will and controlled her movement by grabbing her head.
The victim managed to escape and pulled a fire alarm, prompting the arrival of police and fire personnel. The victim received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The school's women's basketball spokeswoman confirmed that the university is aware of Watkins' arrest and is gathering information.
Watkins, known for being the first player in program history to dunk in a game, averaged 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and led the team with 91 blocks last season. She has not responded to requests for comment on social media.
