China investigates UCLA basketball players for shoplifting

Chinese authorities on Thursday said they are investigating three American college basketball players accused of shoplifting in China. Security officials on Tuesday detained LiAngelo Ball, Cody Riley, and Jalen Hill, all freshmen at UCLA, in the city of Hangzhou. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Thursday confirmed law enforcement officials are investigating the students for alleged theft. “China has informed the U.S. side of this case with consular treaty,” Chuying said. The UCLA team arrived in China Sunday for a weeklong visit, and will open its season Friday with a game against Georgia Tech in Shanghai. UCLA in a statement said it was aware of the situation and was fully cooperating with local authorities. UCLA coach Steve Alford said the accused players will not play in the game.