Canadian Football Player Suffers Life-Altering Injury After Alleged Groin Punches
Montreal Alouettes running back Liam Talbot is out for the season after emergency surgery for injuries sustained during a game.
Montreal Alouettes running back Liam Talbot has been sidelined for the remainder of the season following emergency surgery for alleged groin punches during a recent game against the B.C. Lions. The incident, which occurred on special teams plays, has led to what sources describe as a life-altering injury.
Talbot, a 23-year-old rookie, reportedly sustained two blows to the groin from B.C. Lions defensive back Josh Hagerty during Saturday's game in Vancouver. The severity of the injury became apparent after Talbot completed the game, leading to his decision to seek medical attention. He underwent surgery earlier this week.
Videos of the alleged incidents appear to show Hagerty delivering underhand punches to Talbot's groin area. The punches were not penalized by officials during the game.
The Alouettes have not publicly commented on the specifics of Talbot's surgery or injury. However, the impact of the injury is reported to extend beyond his football career.
Talbot was not present at practice on Wednesday and was officially listed with a groin injury. He has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Montreal Alouettes fullback Marco Dubois expressed outrage on social media, calling the alleged actions "unacceptable play that puts players’ safety at risk." Offensive lineman Cyrille Hogan-Saindon echoed Dubois' sentiments, stating, "Punch in the nuts, I’ve never seen anything like that from an adult in a professional football game."
Hagerty, who is in his sixth CFL season, is scheduled to attend disciplinary hearings this week along with two other players in connection with the alleged punches during the game. The CFL typically announces disciplinary actions, such as fines and suspensions, publicly before the start of the following week's games.
Talbot was selected by the Alouettes in the fourth round of the 2026 CFL draft. He has played in four games this season, recording six carries for 23 yards and one touchdown.