Charges Dismissed Against South Carolina Forward Ashlyn Watkins
Columbia, S.C. – Suspended South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins has had the charges against her dismissed, as indicated by online judicial records. Watkins faced serious allegations of assault and kidnapping starting on August 31, which resulted in her suspension from the women’s college basketball team.
The Nature of the Charges
Watkins, who was a pivotal player in South Carolina’s recent national championship success, did not attend the team’s White House visit, which took place in September when they were honored by President Biden. According to court documents, her assault charge was officially dismissed on November 1 after Watkins completed a pre-trial intervention program designed for first-time offenders in the state of South Carolina.
A Closer Look at the Legal Process
The Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office explains that the pre-trial intervention program is primarily for first-time offenders charged with nonviolent crimes. A spokesperson confirmed that the first-degree assault charge against Watkins was not deemed a violent offense. Meanwhile, the kidnapping charge was dismissed at the discretion of the prosecutor, April Sampson.
Details Surrounding the Incident
Reports from the University of South Carolina campus police department highlighted that a video recorded an altercation between Watkins and her girlfriend, who was a minor. This incident led to the initial charges that then suspended the young athlete from her collegiate team. As of now, inquiries have been made concerning whether Watkins’ suspension has been formally lifted.
Impact on Riding Season
The Gamecocks kicked off their basketball season on Monday night with a surprising 68-62 victory over Michigan in Las Vegas. Next, they are set to face a challenging opponent in No. 9 N.C. State, which will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday.
Watkins’ Performance Prior to Suspension
This 6-foot-3 forward played a crucial role during South Carolina’s impressive 38-0 national title season. Led by her skills, Watkins finished the season as the Southeastern Conference leader with 91 blocks. She also contributed an average of 9.2 points and held the second position on her team with 7.4 rebounds per game. Notably, she made history by recording dunks in both her freshman and sophomore seasons, marking the first two dunks in the program’s history.
Anticipated Return
As Watkins looks forward to returning to the basketball court, there are expectations that she will play an even more important role for the Gamecocks this season. Further inquiries have been directed to her attorney, Rep. Todd Rutherford, for any additional comments regarding her case and future plans.
The unfolding of this story continues to interest many fans and followers of college basketball, especially as the season progresses. The legal outcomes and Watkins’ potential return to the team are aspects that will be closely monitored.
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.
