Ottawa Redblacks release Chris Larsen after suspension, say cuts are based on roster size
The Ottawa Redblacks say their decision to release a player suspended by the Canadian Football League club after Toronto Police launched an investigation into a possible hate crime earlier this month was based on roster size.
Canadian defensive lineman Chris Larsen was one of six players released by the Redblacks on Thursday.
The Redblacks said in a statement the cuts were made in an effort to bring the roster down to the allowable limit prior to the start of training camp.
Larsen was never charged and Calvin Barry, his lawyer, said last week his client is not a suspect in the crime.
Barry said the University of Manitoba product talked to police and was cleared for an alleged assault on Toronto Island on June 5.
A 24-year-old man was arrested for aggravated assault last weekend and at the time of the arrest, police said the investigation was ongoing.
Investigators previously said a man and a woman were walking to the docks on June 5 when a disagreement broke out between them and a group of other people.
Police say a man from that group made the comments, and two men from the group assaulted the male victim, leaving him with significant injuries.
Officers said they were seeking three suspects - two men and a woman.
Barry didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from The Canadian Press about Larsen's release.
On the night of the suspension, Mark Goudie, the CEO of the Redblacks' parent company, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, said “We are particularly sorry for the trauma caused to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”
Larsen, 25, has not played a game in the CFL.
The Toronto native was picked in the sixth round, 54th overall, by the Redblacks in the 2019 CFL draft.
Larsen returned to Manitoba for the 2019 season.
The 2020 CFL season was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the league has announced 2021 training camp will start next month with the season opening in August.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2021
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.