The three UCLA Basketball freshmen that were arrested for allegedly shoplifting in China have been suspended indefinitely, per head coach Steve Alford.
Members of the UCLA Basketball program and Atheltic Director Dan Guerrero held a press conference to address the shoplifting allegations against freshmen LiAngelo Ball, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill on Wednesday morning.
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Along with apologies for the causing an international incident in the statements by the student-athletes, it was also announced that all three have been suspended indefinitely.
The list of restrictions include:
- Will not travel with the team
- Will not suit up for home games
- Will not participate in practice
- Will not participate in team meetings
In addition, the investigation will be on-going as the UCLA Office of Conduct will continue to look into this matter.
All three players had started the press conference reading their statements in regards to this unfortunate situation. All of them expressed deep regret for their actions and alluded to the fact these were, as I generalize, acts of stupidity.
UCLA's Steve Alford on shoplifting arrests: "These are good young men who have exercised an inexcusable lapse of judgment. And now, they have to live with that." https://t.co/MCkbQFPeJ6 pic.twitter.com/ymraSsYRUy
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 15, 2017
All three players had apologized to their families, teammates, coaches, administration and the UCLA community. They were especially grateful to UCLA associate Athletic Director Chris Carlson and Director of Basketball Administration Doug Erickson who had apparently stayed with the players during their detainment.
They also thanked the Chinese police involved with the matter, the Chinese government, the U.S. government and even President Donald Trump for his help with the situation.
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All three have not been expelled and appear to have the chance to work their way back onto the team, but for now they will solely focus on their academics as this issue gets finalized with the University.