A Top Experienced forward for South Carolina’s national championship-winning team, was arrested on Saturday on charges of assault, battery, and kidnapping. Online judicial records from Richland County indicate that Watkins was granted a $30,000 personal recognizance bond. As part of her release conditions, she is prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with the unnamed victim and must maintain a distance of 1,000 feet from the victim’s home, workplace, school, and place of worship. However, Watkins is allowed to travel out of state for basketball games and practices.
Watkins is set to appear in court on October 25. According to a warrant filed by the University of South Carolina Police Department, Watkins allegedly assaulted the victim by forcefully grabbing her face, pulling her arms, and pushing her. The warrant also claims Watkins picked up the victim against her will and physically controlled her movement, preventing her from leaving by grabbing her head and forcing her down the hall. The victim managed to escape, pull a fire alarm, and summon police and fire personnel. The victim received treatment for injuries that were reported as non-life-threatening.
Watkins, a 6-foot-3 junior, had a standout season last year, averaging 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. She was also the team leader with 91 blocks. Her performance contributed significantly to the Gamecocks’ historic 38-0 season, making them the first undefeated national champions since 2016.
