Ashlyn Watkins of South Carolina women’s basketball faces assault and kidnapping charges
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ashlyn Watkins, a player for the South Carolina women’s basketball team, was taken into custody on Friday, based on records from Richland County (South Carolina).
The records indicate that Watkins, who is 21 years old, faces charges of first-degree assault and battery, along with kidnapping. Her bail has been set at $30,000, and she is expected to appear in court on October 25.
As per the records, Watkins is prohibited from having any direct contact with the unnamed victim and must maintain a distance of at least 1,000 yards from the victim’s residence, workplace, educational institution, and place of worship. Additionally, she will require permission for traveling out of state for games and practices.
A South Carolina spokesperson stated to The Greenville News, part of the YSL News Network, on Saturday, “We are aware of the situation and are continuing to gather information.”
Watkins is a junior forward hailing from Columbia and attended Cardinal Newman High School. She significantly contributed to last season’s national championship team, averaging 9.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. When center Kamilla Cardoso was sidelined for five games, Watkins stepped up in the starting lineup. In the Final Four match against NC State on April 5, she achieved a personal best with 20 rebounds.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Watkins is anticipated to start as the center with Cardoso now in the WNBA.