Story highlights UCLA players publicly apologize for their actions in China

apologize for their actions in China The charges were withdrawn by Chinese authorities after players admitted guilt

(CNN) LiAngelo Ball and two of his UCLA basketball teammates publicly apologized Wednesday for shoplifting during a team trip to China.

After Ball, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill read statements acknowledging their role in an international incident that prompted President Donald Trump to take credit for intervening on their behalf, UCLA basketball coach Steve Alford announced that all three had been suspended indefinitely.

"They will have to earn their way back," Alford said.

Riley, in his statement, said he was embarrassed and ashamed "for disappointing my family, my teammates, my coaches, and the entire UCLA community."

He said he took "full responsibility for the mistake that I've made: shoplifting," and that his actions went "beyond me letting my school down, but I've let my country down."

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