UCLA basketball players apologise for shoplifting in China and thank Donald Trump
UCLA basketball players say they are sorry for shoplifting in China and thanked Trump for saving them from lengthy jail terms
Three US college basketball players detained in China for shoplifting publicly apologised Wednesday and thanked President Donald Trump for helping secure their release and repatriation.
Trump had personally asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping to intervene to free UCLA’s LiAngelo Ball – the younger brother of Los Angeles Lakers rookie star Lonzo Ball – and teammates Cody Riley and Jalen Hill, who were arrested last Tuesday in Hangzhou.
Trump had earlier asked whether the three UCLA players released from detention in China will thank him.
“I’m sorry for stealing from the stores in China,” said Ball. “I’ve learned my lesson from this big mistake and I’m a hundred per cent sure I’ll never make a mistake like this again. It’s going to make (me) a better person from here on out.”
UCLA coach Steve Alford said the three were suspended but did not specify exactly what that would mean, saying only that the three players would have to earn their way back onto the team.
He said at some point, the trio may be permitted to join team workouts, meetings and practises.