Per report, South Carolina basketball star reinstated following arrest

Over the weekend, South Carolina basketball star forward Ashlyn Watkins was arrested following an incident Saturday morning. She was charged initially with first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping, two serious charges (ones that can hold prison sentences of up to 10 years) that didn't quite paint the full picture of what happened.

As news trickled out over ensuing days, it became clear that there were important details that still needed to come out about the incident, and then on Wednesday, a report surfaced from WIS News 10's Naomi Popa that the automatic suspension against Watkins following her arrest was being lifted.

If the suspension is being lifted, that means that the two felonies levied against Watkins likely are not charges that are sticking. According to various reports, including the one from WIS News, Watkins did restrain the victim after a confrontation, but she was working to keep the alleged victim from jumping from a ledge. The reports match Watkins' initial story as she has maintained her innocence from the beginning.

It is unclear at this time what exactly will happen with Watkins' legal charges, but with her academic and athletic suspension seemingly lifted, that only spells good news for her and for her South Carolina basketball team as this situation moves closer to a resolution. For now, a hearing is scheduled for Watkins in October.

Watkins was an All-SEC performer during the 2023-2024 season and should be poised for another big season with the Gamecocks pending the final verdict from this incident. She is part of the country's best collection of frontcourt talent, joining fellow junior Chloe Kitts, seniors Sania Feagin and Sakima Walker, transfer portal addition Maryam Dauda, and freshmen Joyce Edwards and Adhel Tac.

Six of those seven players were 5-star prospects coming out of high school, and five were McDonald's All-Americans; the two who did not make the all-star showcase (Chloe Kitts and Adhel Tac) would have but enrolled early with the Gamecocks, forfeiting their chances to be chosen.