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UCLA student-athletes detained in China apologize, suspended indefinitely

Nov 7, 2017

Three UCLA basketball players detained by authorities for shoplifting while in Hangzhou, China held a press conference on Wednesday in Westwood, and apologized profusely for their actions.

"I let the entire country down," freshman Cody Riley said, echoing similar statements made by teammates LiAngelo Ball and Jalen Hill. All three thanked President Trump and the U.S. Government for interceding on their behalf while detained in China following the Pac-12 China Game last week.

UCLA coach Steve Alford announced that Riley, Ball and Hill are suspended indefinitely from all team activities, and a timeline for their return is undetermined.

"They will have to earn their way back," Alford said. "My expectation is that they will work hard to demonstrate why they deserve to be a part of this program." 

More than 100 media attended the press conference, at the Dick Enberg Media Room in Pauley Pavilion.

UCLA's home opener vs. Central Arkansas airs on Pac-12 Networks Wednesday night, starting at 8 p.m. PT/9 p.m. MT.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott released the following statement earlier this week: 

"Yesterday in Hangzhou, China UCLA student-athletes were involved in a situation, and UCLA is cooperating fully with local authorities. We are directing all inquiries about the specifics of this matter to UCLA. We are very disappointed by any situation that detracts from the positive student-athlete educational and cultural experience that this week is about. Whether in the United States or abroad, we expect our student-athletes to uphold the highest standards. We will continue to closely monitor the situation."