South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins returns to practice, suspension lifted after criminal charges dismissed

Charges against Ashlyn Watkins were dropped on Nov. 1, according to court records.

South Carolina basketball Star was arrested in late August on charges of assault, battery and kidnapping.

Shortly after his arrest, Watkins learned he had been suspended from the team. The young student from Columbia, South Carolina was allowed to attend classes.

The University of South Carolina released a statement on Wednesday confirming that the forward had returned to practice.

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South Carolina Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins clears the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 7, 2024 in Cleveland. (Ken Blaze/USA Today Sports)

“With the legal charges dismissed, South Carolina junior forward Ashlyn Watkins has returned to team activities beginning with today’s practice.” declaration in question.

Watkins had not practiced with the team and was not among the group that traveled to Washington, D.C. for a time. White House visit in September to commemorate last season’s national championship.

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He wasn’t there either top-ranked Gamecocks They opened the season by defeating Michigan 68-62 in Las Vegas on Monday night.

South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins clears the ball against Arkansas in the second half of the game on February 29, 2024 in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)

Watkins led the Southeastern Conference with 91 blocks last season and recorded only two dunks in program history, one as a freshman and the other as a sophomore.

South Carolina Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins (2) and NC State Wolfpack forward Mimi Collins (2) fight for a loose ball during the 2024 NCAA Tournament semifinals at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 5, 2024 in Cleveland. (Ken Blaze/USA Today Sports)

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Watkins is expected to take over from Kamilla Cardoso, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder last season. Cardoso advanced to the first round WNBA draft Choose from Chicago Sky.

South Carolina takes over NC State Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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