South Carolina’s Staley says Watkins remains suspended because her allegations remain ongoing

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said there has been no change in the status of suspended forward Ashlyn Watkins and she is unsure when or if her player will be available this season.

Watkins is a 6-foot-3 junior from Columbia who he was arrested on August 31 and charged with assault, first-degree battery and kidnapping.

“Nothing has changed yet,” Staley said Tuesday, a day after her team began fall practice. “We’re not going to move until she calms down a little bit. It’s out of her control. It’s out of our control.”

Watkins was suspended from the team following the incident and was not part of the group that visited the White House two weeks ago.

Watkins averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds and led the Gamecocks with 91 blocks as the team finished 38-0, winning its third national championship and second in three seasons.

Watkins is expected to take over the role down the court from last year’s leading scorer, 6-7 Kamilla Cardoso, who now plays in the WNBA. Watkins is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 25, less than two weeks before the Gamecocks’ season opener Nov. 4 against Michigan in Las Vegas.

Staley said Watkins performed well despite not practicing with the team.

“Yeah, she’s great,” the coach said.

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