South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley addressed the situation regarding star forward Ashlyn Watkins for the first time on Tuesday following her suspension.
As practice begins this week, Staley met with the media and faced immediate questions about Watkins’ suspension, especially with the team’s strong hopes for another championship run this season.
For context, Ashlyn Watkins, a rising junior, was suspended pending an investigation after being arrested in August. She faces charges of first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping related to an incident on campus. The investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing to clarify the circumstances surrounding the case.
When asked about Watkins, Staley could not provide many specifics, stating that Watkins’ “status is still the same. Nothing has moved yet.” She emphasized that the situation is currently “out of her control and out of our control,” and refrained from giving detailed information regarding Watkins’ status or the legal situation.
Watkins’ legal situation, her status at the University of South Carolina, and her role in the basketball program are interconnected yet distinct. Staley remarked, “we’re not going to move until [Watkins’] situation is settled down a bit,” indicating that decisions from higher authorities at the university and legal levels are necessary before any actions can be taken.
In recent weeks, reports about Watkins’ arrest have varied significantly. Given Staley’s limited comments, the situation appears to be a “wait and see.” Notably, she mentioned “when Ashlyn returns” to discuss the future of her team.
Regardless of Watkins’ status, Dawn Staley’s Gamecock squad is set to start their season in just over a month, with their first game against the Michigan Wolverines in Las Vegas on November 4th as part of the Hall of Fame Series.
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