Guy Lafleur sues police, Quebec prosecutor for $3.5M
Last Updated: Tuesday, April 1, 2008 | 7:17 PM ET
CBC Sports
Hockey legend Guy Lafleur is suing the Montreal police and Quebec's Crown prosecutor for $3.5 million.
The former NHL star, arrested in January for allegedly giving contradictory testimony at his son Mark's bail hearing, pleaded not guilty to the charge on Feb. 7.
Former Montreal Canadiens star Guy Lafleur scored 560 goals during his 17-year NHL career.
(Associated Press)
Lafleur's lawyer, Jean-Pierre Rancourt, told the CBC on Tuesday that Lafleur opted for legal action because his reputation and ability to make a living have suffered since the arrest.
Rancourt said Lafleur still feels "destroyed" by the arrest, which he called an unusual stunt that could have been avoided by a simple summons to appear in court.
Lafleur is suing the Crown prosecutor Lise Archambault, the officer who arrested him, Francoise Fortin, and the Montreal Police force for financial damages ($1.5 million), punitive damages ($1.5 million) and moral damages ($500,000).
The Crown has 30 days to respond to the lawsuit.
Lafleur's son Mark is facing more than 20 charges including sexual assault of a minor and uttering threats.
Lafleur is accused of changing his story about whether or not Mark had respected a court-ordered curfew.
Lafleur spent his first 14 NHL seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, then ended a three-year retirement to play three more seasons with the New York Rangers and Quebec Nordiques.
Drafted first overall by Montreal in 1971, he compiled 560 goals and 1,353 points in 1,127 NHL games before retiring for good in 1991.
With files from the Canadian Press
