Former Basketball Coach Faces Sexual Assault Allegations in Montreal – Urgent Breaking News
Montreal, QC – A disturbing case is unfolding in a Montreal courtroom as Robert Luu, 35, stands accused of sexually assaulting a former athlete, identified as Daniella*, between 2014 and 2017. The trial, which began last week, has already revealed a pattern of what prosecutors describe as deeply inappropriate communication and alleged encounters with the then-teenager. This story is developing, and Archyde is committed to providing the latest updates as they emerge. Understanding the nuances of these cases, and the importance of athlete safety, is crucial in today’s world.
From Mentor to Accused: A Timeline of Events
The allegations center around Luu’s interactions with Daniella while he served as a corridor supervisor and women’s basketball coach at Saint-Laurent high school. The relationship began when Daniella, then 12 years old, was recruited to the school’s basketball team in May 2014. Luu was tasked with driving her to physiotherapy appointments, a context in which their communication reportedly began via Messenger. What started as seemingly innocuous exchanges quickly escalated, according to testimony.
Court documents and testimony reveal a series of increasingly personal messages. Luu allegedly sent messages asking if Daniella was “jealous” of his girlfriend and, at one point, responded to her expressed embarrassment with the question, “Did you fall in love with me or something?! Hahahah.” He also admitted to sending inappropriate content, including a photo of a woman’s chest and an article about a teacher convicted of sexual assault against a student. Luu claims he didn’t perceive these actions as inappropriate at the time, stating he was simply “writing what he wrote” without reflection.
“Big Brother, Little Sister”? Conflicting Accounts
While Luu maintains that his relationship with Daniella was merely that of a “big brother, little sister,” Daniella herself testified that they engaged in a “couple” relationship and had sexual relations. She described frequent outings to restaurants and shopping trips. The prosecution presented evidence, corroborated by a friend’s testimony, alleging that Luu once hid in a closet when the friend unexpectedly arrived at Daniella’s home. Luu denies this, claiming he was invited for supper and entered Daniella’s room uninvited.
The case highlights the complex dynamics of power imbalances in coach-athlete relationships. Experts in sports psychology emphasize that coaches hold a position of authority and trust, making it incredibly difficult for athletes, particularly minors, to navigate inappropriate advances or boundary violations. This case underscores the critical need for robust safeguarding policies and mandatory training for coaches on appropriate conduct and reporting procedures.
A Pattern of Allegations and Previous Cases
Luu’s trial is not an isolated incident. He was arrested alongside two other coaches from Saint-Laurent school. Charles-Xavier Boislard pleaded guilty in November 2024 to sexually exploiting a young athlete, and another colleague, Daniel Lacasse, was acquitted earlier this year. This pattern raises serious questions about the oversight and accountability within the school’s athletic program.
Evergreen Insight: The issue of athlete abuse extends far beyond high school sports. Organizations like the SafeSport Center provide resources and training to prevent abuse in all levels of sport. Recognizing the signs of abuse – which can include excessive attention, inappropriate communication, and boundary violations – is crucial for athletes, parents, and coaches alike. Reporting suspected abuse is vital, and many organizations offer confidential reporting channels.
The Trial Continues
The trial before Judge Patricia Compagnone is ongoing, with testimony expected to continue Thursday. Robert Luu is defended by Me Sharon Sandiford, while the Crown is represented by Me Jérôme Laflamme. Archyde will continue to follow this case closely and provide updates as they become available. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have significant implications for athlete safety and the accountability of coaches in positions of trust.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young athletes and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive without fear of exploitation. For more information on athlete safety and resources for reporting abuse, visit SafeSport Center and your local child protection services.
