Gamecocks’ Ashlyn Watkins Arrested, Charged With Assault, Kidnapping
Updated: September 1, 2024
Columbia, S.C. – Ashlyn Watkins, a standout player for the University of South Carolina (USC) women’s basketball team, was arrested and charged with first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping on Saturday, August 31, 2024. The program spokesperson stated they were aware of the incident and in the process of gathering more information.
Details of the Incident
According to the online judicial records, Watkins had a bond hearing at 2 p.m. on the day of her arrest. She is scheduled for a court date on October 25, 2024, and was released on a $30,000 personal recognizance bond after the hearing.
Watkins allegedly ”forcefully” grabbed the victim, pulled her arms, and pushed her at a student housing center where all basketball players reside. The reports reveal that she even picked up the victim against her will and carried her down the hallway, preventing her from leaving – behavior that can be classified as kidnapping. The victim narrowly managed to escape and pulled a fire alarm. She received medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries shortly after the incident.
Watkins’ Statement
After the incident, Watkins was read her Miranda rights and, according to the warrant, she confessed. This development has stunned fans and her teammates alike, considering Watkins, a junior, was prominently contributing to the team’s success over the last two seasons.
Watkins’ Basketball Career
Native to Columbia, Watkins graduated from Cardinal Newman High School. Known for her dunking ability and game-dominating presence, Watkins had joined the Gamecocks’ team for the past two seasons and played a significant role in South Carolina’s third national championship.
An Uncertain Future
At present, it remains unclear whether Watkins will be suspended from the basketball program. A USC spokesperson mentioned that the university’s policy of automatically suspending an athlete from their program upon an arrest is still active.
Awaiting Further Updates
As the investigation into the incident continues, it casts a shadow over what was shaping up to be a promising season for the Gamecocks and Watkins. Fans, fellow athletes, and the USC community as a whole now await further updates and clarity surrounding the situation.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
