Ashlyn Watkins' lawyer asks for patience during the arrest and describes the situation as a “misunderstanding”

Ashlyn Watkins, a standout player for the USC women's basketball team and a Columbia native, was recently arrested and charged with first-degree assault and kidnapping. Her attorney, Todd Rutherford, who is also a South Carolina state representative, is asking the public to remain patient during the court proceedings.

Speaking to WACH FOX News, Rutherford stressed that Watkins maintains her innocence. “We just ask for patience as we go through this process and as we work through the events of two nights ago, remember that Ashlyn maintains her innocence and we believe that in the end, when all the facts are known, it was simply a misunderstanding,” Rutherford said.

After her arrest, Watkins was granted $30,000 bail, but the bail came with strict conditions, including no contact with the victim and staying 3,000 feet away from her home, workplace, school, and place of worship. Despite these legal hurdles, Watkins was allowed to leave the state for games and practice.

As the investigation continues, Watkins' legal team is preparing to represent the prosecution in court in hopes of shedding light on the events that led to her arrest. The situation continues to be closely monitored and further developments are expected as more information becomes available.