Update:
LiAngelo Ball, along with his two other UCLA co-defendants could face between 3-10 years for the shoplifting charge if standard practices apply. The sentencing could shift depending on the amount Chinese authorities are able to prove was stolen. China understands shoplifting as "robbing public or private property using force, coercion, or other methods.” According to William Nee, a Hong-Kong based legal researcher, Ball and his co-defendants could be in quite a bit of trouble if it's proven that they actually stole the items but added, "However, part of it will depend on whether their lawyers, the university, or the U.S. consulate can advocate and negotiate on their behalf."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
LaVar Ball's middle son LiAngelo and two of his UCLA teammates, freshmen Cody Riley and Jalen Hill, were arrested in China on Tuesday for alleged shoplifting.
According to ESPN, the players are being accused of stealing from a Louis Vuitton store next to their hotel in Shanghai. 20 local police reportedly showed up to the Hyatt Hangzhou to question both Georgia Tech and UCLA players, who were set to play in their season opener in China on Friday. The players were reportedly placed in a room for hours and not allowed to speak to their coaches.
UCLA released a statement on the matter, "We are aware of a situation involving UCLA student-athletes in Hangzhou, China. The University is cooperating fully with local authorities on this matter, and we have no further comment at this time."
Georgia Tech also followed up with a statement of their own, "During the questioning, it was determined that Georgia Tech student-athletes were not involved in the activities being investigated. They have resumed their scheduled activities in advance of Saturday's season opener versus UCLA in Shanghai."
We'll be sure to update you on the details when they are available.
Source: ESPN
