CFL player accused on social media for allegedly playing a role in a homophobic attack speaks out
The CFL player accused on social media of allegedly playing a role in a homophobic attack on Toronto Island addressed the allegations with CTV News Toronto Wednesday.
Ottawa Redblacks defensive lineman Chris Larsen, 25, stood side by side with his lawyer, Calvin Barry when he explained he was on the Island the night David Gomez was seriously injured.
Larsen said he was there for the good weather and a birthday for a friend, who he identified as a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
“Heading off the Island to go home, got into an incident and happened to be a bystander there. Something happened. That’s all I can really say,” Larsen said.
His lawyer said Larsen “didn’t make any homophobic utterances.”
“He didn’t espouse any hate. He didn’t assault anyone. Directly or indirectly,” Barry said.
“He went to the police last Friday and we found out very shortly after, Monday, was confirmatory that he’s not a suspect and that at most he might be a witness to some of the narrative to that happened when other people were allegedly assaulting the complainant,” Barry said
Larsen was suspended from his team following the incident. CTV News Toronto reached to the Ottawa Redblacks Wednesday. The team said there has been no official change to Larsen’s status.
The alleged homophobic attack happened on Jun. 5 around 11:30 p.m. It left Gomez, 24, with serious injuries on his lower back. He also required surgery to repair his face.
“I haven’t been able to sleep much. I can’t close my eyes without waking up in fear,” he told CTV News in an interview Wednesday.
“There’s a possibility of me needing more surgery, invasive surgery on my face. I have a cane to help me walk.”
Gomez was on the Island with a friend. Toronto police say they got into an disagreement with a group and a man from the group made homophobic comments toward the pair. Two men then kicked and punched Gomez.
No arrests have been made in connection with the attack and Toronto police say it remains an active investigation. Police have never named any persons of interest or suspects in this investigation.
Gomez claims Larsen was biking toward him and his friend at very fast speed. Gomez said he told him to slow down. He then said Larsen followed him for about 10 minutes and would not leave them alone saying they were going to be friends.
Larsen and his lawyer would not respond to this allegation, citing the ongoing police investigation.
Gomez said police have been transparent and supportive, and believes the truth is going to come out.
“I can stand with my chest raised high and know in full confidence … I know what happened,” he said. “I’m looking forward to this outcome.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.