MLS Clears Orlando City Striker Cyle Larin for Team Activities in Wake of DUI Suspension

Orlando City striker Cyle Larin has been cleared to return to team activities and competitions following an assessment by the MLS’ Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) Program doctors. Larin will continue participation in the program at the local level and can practice and play with the club during the ongoing counseling.

The Canadian international and club’s leading goal scorer has been suspended from participation since his June 15 DUI arrest after being pulled over for driving the wrong way down Orange Avenue near Ivanhoe Boulevard. He has missed the team’s last three games — two draws and a loss — since the arrest and subsequent suspension pending clearance by SABH.

According to Orange County Corrections, Larin was booked at 5:10 a.m. on the morning of June 15, a few hours after Orlando City’s 3-1 U.S. Open Cup loss to Miami FC, in which Larin was not included in the 18-man squad. The Canadian blew a .179, which is over twice the legal limit of .08 for blood alcohol content.

“Orlando City SC takes great pride in the way it represents the Orlando community and expects all players, coaches and front office staff to uphold that standard at all times, both on and off the field,” the club said in an official statement that afternoon. “The Club is very disappointed in Cyle Larin’s actions that resulted in these charges and does not take this situation lightly. We are working with local authorities, Major League Soccer and Cyle to take appropriate action in line with league protocol.”

Larin is Orlando City’s leading scorer since the club joined MLS in 2015, and leads the Lions in goals once again in 2017 with eight in 15 games this season. For his career, the third-year forward has registered 39 goals and four assists in 74 appearances for Orlando.

We will continue to follow this story with any further details as they develop.