Make wishtv.com your home page

Mom of former BSU player jailed in China asks for Trump’s help

DETROIT (WISH) – The mom of a former Ball State University linebacker arrested in China in September 2016 is hoping President Donald Trump can help get her son home.

The president said he helped three UCLA basketball players get home this week after they were arrested for in China shoplifting.

Wendell Brown, who played for BSU from 2004 to 2007, said he is innocent and his mom, Antoinette Brown, agrees. In a FaceTime interview from the Browns’ hometown of Detroit, Antoinette said she doesn’t know how long her son will be locked up.

“It’s devastated us all,” Antoinette said. “We just want fair justice and want my son home to his family and his son.”

She said Wendell is awaiting a verdict. Antoinette said locals at a bar asked to take pictures and drink with Wendell and, after he said no, they started throwing bottles.

According to Antoinette, Wendell’s lawyers showed that he never punched anyone; he only put his arms up to block the bottles.

“I would say to president Trump that it would be greatly appreciated if he could have compassion for my son that’s innocent and help him as well as he helped the other young men,” Antoinette said.

Three UCLA players apologized in America this week after Chinese police said they stole sunglasses from a Louis Vuitton store. Before their news conference, Trump tweeted, “Do you think the three UCLA Basketball Players will say thank you President Trump? They were headed for 10 years in jail!”

“If he would do the same for me and my son, he wouldn’t have to worry about getting a thank you,” Antoinette said. “I would thank him several times.”

Wendell went on to play football in Canada after his time at BSU. His mom said it’s now time for him to come back to the states.

“So many sleepless nights,” she said.

24-Hour News 8 left messages with the White House press office and with U.S. Rep. John Conyers, a Democrat who represents Detroit, to ask if they’re looking into the situation. There was no immediate response.