President Donald Trump on Thursday encouraged the three UCLA basketball freshmen who he helped get out of China after being arrested for shoplifting to thank President Xi Jinping for his help as well.
LiAngelo Ball, Cody Riley, and Jalen Hill were arrested during a team trip trip to China on Nov. 8 after being accused of stealing designer sunglasses in Hangzhou. Trump learned of the incident while traveling in Asia and asked his Chinese counterpart to intercede.
The matter was wrapped up to the "satisfaction" of Chinese authorities, according to a PAC-12 statement, and the three players returned to Los Angeles this week.
Ball, Riley and Hill gave remorseful statements on Wednesday and thanked Trump and the U.S. government for their help—Trump had tweeted earlier in the day wondering if he would receive gratitude from the players for his intercession.
On Thursday, he also dispensed a little life advice.
"To the three UCLA basketball players I say: You're welcome, go out and give a big Thank You to President Xi Jinping of China who made your release possible, and HAVE A GREAT LIFE!" he wrote.
"Be careful, there are many pitfalls on the long and winding road of life!" he added.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/931122234437046272
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/931123400810037248
While they got out of trouble in China, the three freshmen have been indefinitely suspended from their team by head coach Steve Alford.
The players did offer thanks to the Chinese government and authorities during their statements.