South Carolina basketball star Ashlyn Watkins arrested on assault and kidnapping charges. The Columbia-born Gamecocks women’s basketball player now stands at the heart of a legal crisis that has stunned the sports world. This unforeseen event has an impact on her bright future and the team’s outlook for the next season.
Details of the Alleged Event
The incident happened at 650 Lincoln St., a student housing center at the University of South Carolina. The arrest warrants say Watkins attacked the victim by “grabbing her face pulling her by her arms, and pushing her”. Things got worse when Watkins picked up the victim against her wishes and carried her away.
The warrants also mention that Watkins “grabbed the victim’s head and forced her to walk down the hall controlling her movement while stopping her from leaving”. This action led to an extra charge of kidnapping. The victim broke free and pulled a fire alarm, which brought police and fire crews to the scene. She got treatment for injuries that weren’t life-threatening.
Caught on Camera
Video cameras caught the whole incident, and Watkins admitted to these actions. Because of what happened, Watkins now has to stay away from the victim. She can’t contact her or and must keep 1,000 feet away from the victim’s home, work, school, and place of worship.
Charges
Police have charged Watkins with first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping. The court gave Watkins a $30,000 personal recognizance bond and told her not to contact the victim in any way.
Legal Proceedings
The judge said she must stay 1,000 feet away from where the victim lives, works, goes to school, and worships. But the court said she can still travel out of state to play basketball and practice. Watkins has to go to court on October 25 just before her team starts the season against Michigan in Las Vegas on November 4.
