Ashlyn Watkins, a standout forward for the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team, was notably absent from the Gamecocks’ visit to the White House in September 2024, where President Joe Biden honored the team for their national championship victory.
At the time, Watkins was under suspension following her arrest on August 31, 2024, on charges of assault and kidnapping. The incident reportedly involved Watkins and her girlfriend, a juvenile, with video evidence capturing an altercation between them.
Watkins was accused of forcefully grabbing her girlfriend’s face, pulling her by her arms, and pushing her, as well as allegedly picking her up against her will and carrying her away. The victim eventually escaped and activated a fire alarm, prompting police and fire personnel to respond and treat her injuries, which were not life-threatening.
Following her arrest, Watkins was suspended from team activities, and as a result, did not accompany her teammates to the White House for the national championship celebration. However, on November 1, 2024, the charges against Watkins were dismissed after she completed a pre-trial intervention for first-time offenders, and the Solicitor’s Office declined to prosecute the kidnapping charge . Consequently, the University of South Carolina lifted her suspension, allowing her to return to team activities beginning with practice on November 6, 2024.
Prior to the incident, Watkins had been a key contributor to the Gamecocks’ undefeated 2023–24 season, leading the Southeastern Conference with 91 blocks and averaging 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. She was also known for her athleticism, recording the only two dunks in South Carolina program history during her freshman and sophomore years . Her return to the team was anticipated to bolster the Gamecocks’ frontcourt as they continued their pursuit of excellence in the 2024–25 season.
