South Carolina basketball star Ashlyn Watkins reportedly arrested on assault, kidnapping charges

South Carolina women's basketball star Ashlin Watkins was arrested on serious charges of first-degree assault battery and kidnapping following an incident at a student housing center on the University of South Carolina's campus the arrest took place on Saturday in Columbia South Carolina according to a report from asterisk the Post and Courier while the exact details of the incident remain unclear the reports suggest that Watkins allegedly engaged in a physical alocation with another woman during the alocation Watkins reportedly forcefully grabbed the victim face and pulled her arms the confrontation escalated when Watkins allegedly grabbed the victim's head and forced her to walk down the hallway effectively controlling her movement and preventing her from leaving the area this action is what led to the kidnapping charge the situation took a dramatic turn when the victim managed to break free and pull a fire alarm which alerted others to the situation the victim was later treated for non-life-threatening injuries though the nature of those injuries has not been disclosed following the incident Watkins was taken into custody and charged with first-degree assault in battery as well as kidnapping she was subsequently released on bond pending her court appearance in October the charges are serious and if convicted they could have significant legal consequences for Watkins Ashlin Watkins a junior forward for the gamec played a pivotal role in the team's success last season as a sophomore she averaged 9.2 points 7.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game helping South Carolina secure an undefeated 38 to0 record and a national championship the Gamecocks defeated Iowa in the national championship game claiming their second title in 3 years in light of Watkins arrest the University of South Carolina is reportedly aware of the situation and is in the process of gathering more information however the school has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident or how it may impact Watkins status with the team the South Carolina Gamecocks are scheduled to begin their upcoming season on November 10th against North Carolina State but it remains uncertain how this situation might affect Watkins participation in the season this incident has shocked the college basketball Community particularly given Watkins prominent role in the Gamecock success as the legal process unfolds more details about the incident are expected to emerge which will likely determine Watkins future both legally and within the basketball program