Orlando City forward Cyle Larin was cleared by the MLS to return to the team Tuesday morning following a DUI charge in mid-June. Larin completed a substance abuse program, missing over ten days and three games in that time period.
“It’s good to see the big man back out there,” said forward Giles Barnes when asked about Larin’s return. “He is back smiling, back working hard, and is over there putting in a shift. He has been away for a week or so, obviously he has learned his lesson and he just wants to come and contribute to the team.”
Larin was arrested in the early morning hours after being pulled over for driving the wrong way down a one-way street. Larin blew twice the legal limit.
Larin apologized to his team before the start of Tuesday’s training session.
“He spoke to everyone,” said Barnes. “Cyle is a big gentleman. As I said, he realizes he made a mistake; he apologized to the whole group and we obviously don’t agree with what he did but the way he has handled himself and conducted himself since he has been back is a credit to him.”
Head Coach Jason Kreis is just looking forward to moving on from the suspension and getting his star forward back.
“Obviously nice to have him back, nice to see that he is regretful about his actions and as we said before he left, once we take responsibility for our actions, and apologize for that then we forgive and we move forward.”
The return comes just in time for the Lions to take to the road once more, playing Real Salt Lake on Friday. In Larin’s absence? City has zero wins.