Orlando’s Suspension to Stay in Effect

An El Camino Real High basketball player suspended for using profane language during a game last month probably will not be reinstated, according to Coach Mike McNulty.

Damon Orlando, a 6-foot, 2-inch senior guard, was suspended after he reportedly shouted profanity at McNulty during a 68-40 loss to North Hollywood on Dec. 18. McNulty met with Orlando at school Monday to discuss the possibility of his return, but Orlando will not immediately be allowed to rejoin the team, if at all.

McNulty said there had been similar outbursts in the past from Orlando, a two-year starter. “I have to keep the respect of the other players,” McNulty said. “I just don’t feel good about having him back.”

El Camino Real (3-6) has struggled since Orlando’s suspension, losing four in a row to teams McNulty said the Conquistadores might have beaten with Orlando aboard.

Brent Lofton (18 points, 9 rebounds a game) and Orlando, who averaged 12.6 points in the team’s first five games, gave El Camino Real a good 1-2 punch.

“There’s no question they are 1-2 on the team in talent,” McNulty said. “Depending on who was on, one or the other could really carry us. Losing that scoring hurts.”

While playing in the North Hollywood tournament, Orlando reportedly shouted at McNulty during a second-quarter timeout. North Hollywood ran off a 16-2 streak, and McNulty admits El Camino Real has been reeling since.

“It’s hard to replace a player of his caliber,” McNulty said of Orlando. “His ballhandling, scoring, defense and rebounding, well, you can replace one or two of those things but not all of them. He did all those things well.

“Most players aren’t as multidimensional as Damon.”

McNulty, who said there is still a slim chance that Orlando will be allowed to return, made it clear he is willing to sacrifice more losses for a better team attitude.

“There are other ways for a guy to let off steam,” McNulty said. “What he did isn’t right. Right now, I can’t see him coming back.”