South Carolina Player Charged with Assault and Kidnapping

Ashlyn Watkins, a forward for the South Carolina women's basketball team, was arrested on Saturday and charged with first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping after an incident at a student housing center. According to police reports, Watkins allegedly assaulted the victim by forcefully grabbing her face and controlling her movements, preventing her from leaving until she activated a fire alarm to escape. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated by emergency services. Watkins was released on a $30,000 bond and is prohibited from contacting the victim or approaching her within 1,000 yards. She has been granted permission to travel for games and practices as the Gamecocks prepare for the upcoming season. The university has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.