Former Coach Robert Luu Convicted of Sexual Assault of Teen Player

A former basketball coach at École secondaire Saint-Laurent, Robert Luu, has been convicted of sexual assault against a teenage player. The verdict was delivered on March 15, 2024, by Quebec Court Judge Patricia Campagnone at a Montreal courthouse. Luu, 35, was found guilty of sexual assault, sexual interference, and invitation to sexual touching following a trial that focused on conflicting testimonies between Luu and the complainant.

The case originated three years ago when Luu, along with two other coaches, faced allegations of sexual abuse involving their players. During the trial, Luu maintained that his relationship with the complainant was akin to that of an older brother and a younger sister, which began when he provided transportation to her physiotherapy appointments starting in grade six.

The judge noted discrepancies in Luu’s testimony, stating, “For the majority of his testimony, he expressed himself mechanically, as if he remembered a story by heart.” In contrast, Judge Campagnone observed that Luu’s demeanor shifted significantly during cross-examination, especially when confronted with text messages exchanged with the complainant.

In one exchange, the complainant expressed her realization that Luu was “a bad boy,” to which Luu replied, “You’re saying that, if you knew me well, you’d know I was a bad boy. lol.” This interaction occurred after Luu provided her with his personal phone number, leading to frequent text conversations.

The complainant testified that Luu sexually abused her repeatedly between the ages of 12 and 15. She described how their relationship transitioned from being supportive to abusive, ultimately recognizing its inappropriateness during her secondary four year. Luu’s actions, which included sexual encounters at his mother’s apartment and the complainant’s home, left a lasting impact on her life. Judge Campagnone highlighted the context of vulnerability in the complainant’s life, noting her challenging circumstances and the support she sought from the basketball program.

In her ruling, the judge emphasized a specific incident where Luu assaulted the complainant on a couch while his mother was present in another part of the apartment. The complainant recounted that their encounters became increasingly invasive, with one instance requiring Luu to stop due to her physical pain.

The sentencing phase of the trial is set to begin in March 2024. This case follows a series of legal proceedings involving other coaches from the same program. Daniel Lacasse, 47, was acquitted earlier this year, while Charles-Xavier Boilard, 47, pleaded guilty on November 12, 2024, to sexually exploiting one of his players and awaits sentencing in January.

The outcome of Luu’s case underscores the ongoing issues of abuse within sports programs and the importance of accountability for those in positions of authority. The verdict serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and protective measures within youth sports environments.