Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images/Kenner Police Department
Zion Williamson is dealing with some personal issues off the court, as a woman named Ahkeema Love has been arrested in connection to stalking the New Orleans Pelicans star and assaulting his partner, with whom he shares a daughter named Azira.
According to police out of Louisiana, on Monday, April 7, Ahkeema Love trespassed into Zion Williamson’s home, where she attacked his partner, a woman on Instagram named Rose with over 55,000 followers (her name appears to be Ahkeema Rose, which is either an insane coincidence or the alleged stalked potentially changed her name to mirror that of Zion’s lover). Prior to the alleged trespass and assault, police say that Love egged Williamson’s home on Monday, March 17.
After being tracked down by police, Love was arrested, booked, and charged with home invasion, aggravated battery, and stalking after appearing in front of a judge on Tuesday, April 8. Love’s bond was set at $50,000, and she was also ordered by the judge to turn over a pistol she owned and stay away from Williamson and his partner.
“According to sources, Ahkeema Love is accused of stalking a woman who was also romantically linked to Williamson. Love is accused of hitting the woman and egging her house. She’s also accused of threatening the woman on social media. Sources tell WDSU that the events unfolded at Williamson’s house. Police say that on Monday, Love entered the victim’s house, grabbed her hair and hit her with keys. Police report the victim had lacerations on her face and her fingernails were torn off.”
“Love then fled the scene and, according to police, was arrested on Royal Palm Drive in the Gabriel development, a gated community in Kenner known for its luxury homes with views of Lake Pontchartrain.” [via WDSU]
Williamson, similar to most of his injury-plagued NBA career, played in just 30 games this season (out of 82). When he was on the court, though, he was effective, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.
Despite rumors of trading Williamson away prior to the trade deadline, the New Orleans Pelicans ultimately kept Williamson and CJ McCollum, and traded Brandon Ingram. Given that his career with the Pelicans seems to be stalling, however, there will certain be speculation about his future with the team, as the final three years of the 5-year extension he signed in 2022 are not guaranteed.