Ashlyn Watkins, a star player on the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, was arrested on Saturday and charged with assault and battery and kidnapping, CBS News reports.
According to a warrant obtained by WLTX-TV, the incident occurred on campus and involved a minor victim who was known to Watkins. The warrant alleges that Watkins “forcefully grabbed” the victim’s face, pulled her arms, and pushed her. It also states that Watkins picked up the victim against her will and carried her, “grabbing the victim’s head and forcing her to walk down the hall,” preventing her from leaving.
The victim eventually managed to break free and pulled a fire alarm, leading to the arrival of first responders. The victim received treatment for injuries.
Watkins’ attorney, Todd Rutherford, has maintained his client’s innocence, calling the incident a “misunderstanding” and stating that Watkins “did not assault anyone and she did not kidnap anyone.”
Watkins was granted a $30,000 personal recognizance bond and ordered to have no contact with the victim. She is scheduled to appear in court on October 25.
The University of South Carolina has confirmed Watkins’ arrest and is gathering information on the incident.
Watkins is a rising junior and a key player for the Gamecocks, who achieved a perfect 38-0 record last season to become the first undefeated national champions since 2016. She averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last season, leading the team with 91 blocks. She also made history as the first player in the program to dunk in a game during her freshman season, adding a second dunk last season.
