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Predators’ Watson pleads no contest to domestic assault

FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2018, file photo, Nashville Predators left wing Austin Watson warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, in Nashville, Tenn. Police in Tennessee have arrested Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson on a charge of domestic assault. Franklin Police Lt. Charles Warner said Watson was arrested Saturday evening, June 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2018, file photo, Nashville Predators left wing Austin Watson warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, in Nashville, Tenn. Police in Tennessee have arrested Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson on a charge of domestic assault. Franklin Police Lt. Charles Warner said Watson was arrested Saturday evening, June 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

By Associated Press 2 min read

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) – Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson Tuesday pleaded no contest to domestic assault but can have the misdemeanor charge dismissed if he fulfills terms of his judicial diversion program.

Mark Puryear, Watson’s lawyer, says his client must successfully serve three months of probation and complete both an in-patient treatment program and a batterer’s intervention program.

Puryear said that Watson looks forward to getting back with his girlfriend and taking care of their baby daughter.

Watson, 26, was arrested June 16.

According to a Williamson County court affidavit, a Franklin police officer was flagged down by a witness to a possible domestic situation at a gas station. The officer noticed the passenger of a car “trying to back away from being shoved away.” The report said the passenger said “stop” and was trying to cover her face.