UCLA announced that it has extended the suspensions of Cody Riley and Jalen Hill through the conclusion of the 2017-18 season.
While Riley and Hill will not be permitted to travel with the team or suit up for home games, they will be allowed to participate in team practices and meetings beginning December 26, 2017.
The two players — along with fellow freshman LiAngelo Ball — were arrested on shoplifting charges in China in November. Ball, 19, has since left UCLA and will play professionally in Lithuania with his younger brother, LaMelo Ball, beginning next month.“This decision operates in conjunction with any disciplinary decision rendered by the University’s Office of Student Conduct,” the school announced. “The details and results of the Office of Student Conduct process will remain confidential, per University policy and student privacy laws.”
UCLA is 8-3 entering Saturday’s game with Kentucky in the CBS Sports Classic.“While we acknowledge the difficulties that both Cody and Jalen have faced since returning to campus, we also know that their actions in China were contrary to the values of UCLA and harmful to both the university and our basketball program,” AD Dan Guerrero said. “As members of the Bruin family, it is our responsibility to help them grow from this situation. We will continue to support them as students, as athletes and as young men, and we hope that they will use this as a learning experience.”
Said coach Steve Alford: “Cody and Jalen are a part of our basketball and university families, and we will continue to support them as they serve their suspensions. 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. 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.”
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