Several below-the-belt punches are causing major injuries and concern in the Canadian Football League.
Montreal Alouettes running back Liam Talbot has been ruled out for the season after allegedly enduring punches to the groin from B.C. Lions defensive back Josh Hagerty during Saturday’s game in Vancouver.
The 23-year-old rookie underwent emergency surgery earlier this week after reportedly suffering two blows to the groin on two separate special teams plays, according to 3DownNation.
The Alouettes have not publicly addressed the incident nor disclosed the nature of the surgery.
However, sources told the outlet that the injury held implications beyond Talbot’s football career.
In videos of the alleged incidents, Hagerty seemed to sneak in various underhand punches to Talbot’s groin area.
Talbot finished the game, but the effects of the injury became harsh enough to seek medical attention.
He was not present at practice Wednesday and was officially listed with a groin injury on the team’s injury report. Talbot was subsequently ruled out for Friday’s game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The alleged punches were not penalized during the game by officials.
Alouettes fullback Marco Dubois spoke out Wednesday in outrage over the alleged punches.
He took to X, sharing a video of one alleged incident and writing, “This is not football. There need to be consequences for this kind of unacceptable play that puts players’ safety at risk.”
Fellow teammate, offensive lineman Cyrille Hogan-Saindon, backed up Dubois in a comment on his post.
“Punch in the nuts, I’ve never seen anything like that from an adult in a professional football game,” Hogan-Saindon wrote.
Hagerty, who is in his sixth CFL season, will be attending disciplinary hearings this week, along with two other players, regarding the alleged punches during the game.
Possible outcomes from the hearing include fines and suspensions, which the CFL typically releases publicly ahead of the first game of the following week.
Talbot, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 draft by the Alouettes, has appeared in four games this year.
He has tallied six carries for 23 yards and one touchdown.
