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

South Carolina women's basketball star Ashlin Watkins was arrested on Saturday in Columbia South Carolina on serious charges of first-degree assault and kidnapping the incident which has sent shock waves through the college basketball Community reportedly took place at a student housing center on the University of South Carolina's campus according to sources the alocation began when Watkins allegedly forcefully grabbed the victim's face pulled her arms and pushed her the situation escalated when Watkins reportedly took control of the victim's movements by grabbing her head and compelling her to walk down the hallway the actions described in the police report suggest that Watkins was preventing the victim from leaving the area effectively controlling her against her will the victim was eventually able to break free from Watkins grasp and in a desperate attempt to seek help pulled a fire alarm in the building following the incident the victim was treated for injuries that were described as non-life-threatening Watkins was subsequently taken into custody and charged with first-degree assault and battery as well as kidnapping both serious felonies in South Carolina she was released on bond but is expected to face Court proceedings in October where the specifics of the case will likely be examined in Greater detail the University of South Carolina has acknowledged the arrest and stated that it is in the process of gathering all pertinent information related to the incident as of now no formal statement has been released by The University or by the basketball program regarding Watkins status on the team Ashlin Watkins has been a prominent figure in women's college basketball especially after her outstanding sophomore season during which she played a Cru crucial role in leading the South Carolina Gamecocks to a perfect 38 to0 record and a national championship Victory last season Watkins averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game contributing significantly to the team's success the Gamecocks secured their second National Title in 3 years by defeating Iowa in the championship game as the legal proceedings unfold questions remain about how this incident will impact Watkins future both on and off the court the South Carolina Women's Basketball team is set to begin its upcoming season on November 10th against North Carolina State but it is unclear how this situation will affect Watkins availability or her standing with the team the developments in this case will be closely monitored as the situation continues to evolve