University of South Carolina junior forward Ashlyn Watkins remains suspended from team activities following her arrest on August 31. According to the university’s policy, any student-athlete who is arrested must be suspended. Initially, there was confusion about Watkins’ suspension status. On Wednesday evening, WIS-TV reported, based on “reliable sources,” that Watkins’ suspension had been lifted. Her father also posted on social media, claiming the suspension was over, but he soon deleted the post. However, South Carolina confirmed on Thursday that Watkins is still suspended.
Incident Report and Arrest Details
The University of South Carolina Police Department released a detailed incident report regarding Watkins’ arrest. The report provides a more nuanced account than the arrest warrant. The warrant alleges that Watkins “grabbed the victim’s head and forced her down a hallway, preventing her from leaving,” and “forcefully grabbed the victim’s face, pulled her arm, and pushed her.”
In contrast, the incident report describes Watkins trying to control the victim after responding to a fire alarm at 650 Lincoln Street. Police found the victim leaning over the edge of a third-floor parking lot window, with Watkins reportedly trying to stop her from jumping.
Watkins told the police that the victim was attempting to jump. The victim, a minor whose identity remains undisclosed, claimed she had an argument with Watkins and tried to get away. She also told the police that Watkins hit her. Despite these claims, the victim later referred to Watkins as her “best friend,” while Watkins described the victim as her “girlfriend.”
Post-Arrest Details
After the incident, the victim denied attempting to jump. She later tried to talk with Watkins and requested to call her mother, which Watkins allegedly refused. Watkins admitted to grabbing the victim before they went to the victim’s car. They then returned to Watkins’ apartment to get her dog. The victim allegedly ran toward the garage edge, and Watkins claimed she “held [the victim] with both arms, fearing she might jump.”
Emergency medical services arrived and determined the victim was not suicidal. Watkins was arrested and taken to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where she was later released on a $30,000 personal recognizance bond. As part of the bond conditions, Watkins is prohibited from contacting the victim. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 25, with South Carolina’s basketball season starting on November 4.
Legal Representation and Future Prospects
Watkins is represented by prominent attorney Todd Rutherford, who has asked for patience and asserted that Watkins is innocent, describing the situation as a “misunderstanding.”
Last season, Watkins averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, leading her team in blocks and grabbing 20 rebounds during the Final Four victory over NC State. She was expected to be a key player for South Carolina in the upcoming season.
