ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City soccer star Cyle Larin was arrested early Thursday on suspicion of DUI after a trooper pulled him over for driving the wrong way on an Orlando road, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
The FHP said Larin, 22, was driving north in the southbound lanes of Orange Avenue near Ivanhoe Boulevard, and he was pulled over by a trooper just before a Mercedes nearly crashed into his Cadillac.
Larin, who said he has lived in Orlando for three years, told the trooper that he was unfamiliar with the area.
The trooper described Larin as having bloodshot and glossy eyes with dilated pupils. The trooper said he could smell alcohol coming from the car, especially when Larin turned to talk to him.
Larin said he and a woman who was in his car were coming from club ONO in downtown Orlando, the FHP said.
Larin initially said he hadn't had anything to drink before changing his story several times and saying that he consumed two or three Vodka Red Bulls.
Larin, who was cooperative with the trooper, agreed to perform some field tests, and he was then placed under arrest for DUI, the FHP said. He was also cited for driving the wrong way, the FHP said.
Larin had a blood alcohol level of 0.179, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08, the FHP said. His second breath test showed that he had a blood alcohol level of 0.182, the FHP said.
The woman made arrangements to be picked up, and Larin was taken to jail, troopers said.
Larin was Major League Soccer's rookie of the year in 2015, scoring 17 goals. He had 14 goals in 2016 and eight so far this season.
The team announced Thursday afternoon that Larin will undergo an assessment by MLS’ Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program doctors. He will not be eligible to play in any games or participate in any team activities until the program doctors clear him and the MLS completes its investigation, according to a news release.
Orlando City released a statement about the arrest.
"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 is very disappointed in Cyle Larin’s actions that resulted in this charge 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."
Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.