South Carolina Basketball Star Ashlyn Watkins Arrested on Assault and Kidnapping Charges

Mar. 15, 2025

Ashlyn Watkins.Photo:C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty

C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty

University of South Carolina women’s basketball star Ashlyn Watkins was arrested on assault and kidnapping charges on Saturday, Aug. 31.

The warrant includes claims that Watkins picked up the victim against her will and “grabbed the victim’s head and forced her to walk down the hall, thus controlling her movement while preventing her from leaving."

The victim was able to escape and pulled a fire alarm, per the warrant. Local police and fire officials then arrived on the scene and the victim was treated for non life-threatening injuries.

Ashlyn Watkins.C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty

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Her next court appearance is set for Oct. 25. In the meantime, Watkins will be able to travel with the team for out-of-state games and practices.

PEOPLE has contacted South Carolina for comment. The school told local news stationWLTX19that they were aware of Watkins' arrest and gathering information, but has not yet issued a statement or said if Watkins will remain on the team.

Watkins and South Carolina won the NCAA National Championship in March, beating Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes 87-75 to cap off their undefeated season. Watkins played 14 minutes in the win, with 3 points, 1 assist and 5 rebounds.

A junior, Watkins is set to begin her third season with the Gamecocks after averaging 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last year. The team has their first game on Nov. 10 against North Carolina State.

source: people.com