The UCLA Bruins’ 2017-18 season got off to a horrible start when three players were arrested for shoplifting while on a team trip to Beijing.
LiAngelo Ball, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill were arrested in China and eventually released, leading to a brief Twitter and PR battle between LaVar Ball and Trump, of which the former came out triumphant over the always tweeting latter.
While LaVar eventually pulled LiAngelo out and sent him to play with his brother LaMelo in Lithuania, Riley and Hill remained at UCLA where they were suspended indefinitely from all team activities. Yesterday word surfaced from the Bruins that they would be suspended for the remainder of the season but would be allowed to join the team for team meetings and practices starting on December 26th.
“Since returning from China, they have done everything asked of them and continued to work hard in the classroom and in their own personal workouts,” said UCLA coach Steve Alford in a statement. “I’ve told our players all along that actions have consequences, and the season-long suspension shows how seriously we take their misconduct. Though they will not suit up for games or travel with the team, I look forward to their return after the Christmas holiday. I am confident that they will make significant contributions to the university moving forward.”
