President Trump asks Xi Jinping for help with UCLA basketball players shoplifting scandal
The matter was raised during a visit to Beijing last week that came soon after the three Bruins freshmen had been questioned over the theft of designer sunglasses from a high-end shopping centre
Trump spoke with Xi during a visit to Beijing last week that came soon after the three Bruins freshmen had been questioned in connection with the theft of designer sunglasses from a high-end shopping centre next to the hotel in Hangzhou, China, where the UCLA team was staying in advance of the Pac-12 China game against Georgia Tech.
LiAngelo Ball, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill have remained at that hotel awaiting resolution of their case while their Bruins teammates returned to Los Angeles after defeating the Yellow Jackets, 63-60, in Shanghai.
ESPN has reported, citing anonymous sources, that authorities have surveillance footage of thefts from three stores inside the mall near the team hotel in Hangzhou.
The newspaper also reported that chief of staff John F. Kelly has been in touch with the families of the players and spoken with UCLA coach Steve Alford. The US official who spoke with The Washington Post also indicated that charges against the players have been reduced and that the case is proceeding toward a resolution.
It remained unclear if, or when, the players would be allowed to return to the United States. UCLA will play their home opener against Central Arkansas on Wednesday night at Pauley Pavilion.
