Nashville Predators Austin Watson Arrested For Domestic Assault

FRANKLIN, TN -- Franklin Police arrested Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson for domestic assault Sarturday, the department confirmed Wednesday.

The 26-year-old was arrested at 7:20 p.m. Saturday at a Shell station on Murfreesboro Road, according to an affidavit.

A passerby flagged down a Franklin Police officer, who wrote that when he arrived he saw a woman - later confirmed to be Watson’s girlfriend - cowering away from being shoved. The officer said that Watson and the woman were arguing about her drinking and being unable to attend a wedding, according to the arrest report, and Watson allegedly admitted to pushing her. The officer said there were red marks on her chest.

Watson was released on a $4,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court June 28.

The Predators issued the following statement Wednesday morning:

"We are aware of the incident involving Austin Watson on Saturday night. We are still gathering facts and it is not appropriate for us to comment further at this time, but this is a matter that we are taking very seriously and will cooperate fully with the investigation by law enforcement. The Nashville Predators have and will continue to stand side by side with AMEND in the fight to end violence against women."

Watson, along with teammates Ryan Ellis, Mike Fisher and P.K. Subban, featured in the "Unsilence The Violence" public-awareness campaign that seeks to engage men in an effort to end domestic violence. The Nashville Predators Foundation made a $500,000 donation to the campaign run by the YWCA.

Watson, a Michigan native, had a career-high 14 goals in the 2017-18 season and added eight points in the playoffs.

This is a developing story; stay with Patch for updates.

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Photo via Franklin Police