Why is South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins suspended?
Controversial South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins remained suspended from basketball activities despite a court dismissing the charges against her.
Watkins, a junior forward who was part of the Gamecocks team that went 38-0 last season en route to winning the national championship in April, was charged with first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping in August.
However, court records show that the charges filed against her were dismissed on Friday. The public index said that Watkins completed Pre-Trial Intervention.
Under this program, first-time offenders are provided a second chance. They undertake community service, give restitution to their victims and take part in individual and group counseling.
In the wake of the case, she was suspended from the South Carolina basketball team, causing her to miss the team's September visit to the White House.
The top-ranked Gamecocks haven't reinstated her, causing her to miss the season opener against Michigan.
Ashlyn Watkins misses South Carolina's game against Michigan
The suspension of Ashlyn Watkins affected South Carolina's first game in the college basketball season against Michigan on Monday in Las Vegas, although the Gamecocks won 68-62.
The absence of Watkins, who averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last season, proved costly. The Gamecocks failed to dominate the paint, with the Wolverines tying them in the rebounding department at 52 apiece.
Although Chloe Kitts hauled down 14 rebounds, South Carolina missed another big body in Watkins, allowing Michigan to pick up 20 offensive boards.
South Carolina was expected to dominate Michigan from the get-go, but the Big Ten squad, led by freshman Syla Swords managed to keep the game close in the first half and led 38-37 at halftime.
But the Gamecocks showed their championship poise in the second half, limiting the Wolverines to 24 points.
Up next for the No. 1 seed South Carolina is a key matchup against ACC power and No. 9 NC State on Sunday. It is a rematch of last season's Final Four, where the Gamecocks emerged victorious 78-59 and qualified for the national championship final.
Watkins' continued absence will force South Carolina coach Dawn Staley to use a similar lineup she utilized against Michigan. Staley hopes it will hold up against a Top 25 opponent to keep the school's unbeaten streak intact.
Will South Carolina win their second game against NC State without suspended forward Ashlyn Watkins? Let us know your views in the comments section.