Chad Kelly returned to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday after serving a suspension imposed by the Canadian Football League (CFL) for violating the league's gender-based violence policy. This reinstatement follows a challenging period for Kelly and the team, marked by a lawsuit and subsequent rigorous assessments.
Suspension and Legal Proceedings
Kelly’s suspension, which began on May 7, barred him from participating in two exhibition games and the first nine regular-season contests. The suspension was a consequence of an independent investigation related to a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach. The coach accused Kelly of sexual harassment and alleged wrongful dismissal by the Argonauts. The lawsuit was settled in June through mediation.
The terms of Kelly’s suspension required him to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend counseling sessions with a gender-based violence specialist. Completion of these requirements was critical for Kelly’s reinstatement. The CFL received Kelly's confidential psychological assessment and reviewed the results with the help of experts before finalizing his return.
Return to Practice
Once reinstated, Kelly rejoined his teammates for Sunday's practice, where he took approximately 70% of the starting offense snaps. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie noted that Kelly’s workload would increase during Monday’s practice sessions. Dinwiddie, however, expressed caution about Kelly starting in Thursday night’s game against Saskatchewan, given Kelly’s limited practice time and absence from training camp.
"It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building," Dinwiddie said, reflecting on Kelly's return.
As the Argonauts prepare to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders, both teams holding a 5-4 record, Kelly may share reps with Cameron Dukes and veteran quarterback Nick Arbuckle. Kelly’s last appearance was during Toronto’s loss to Montreal in the previous year's East Division final, a game that concluded a remarkable season for the Argonauts who achieved a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record. Unfortunately, their campaign ended with a decisive 38-17 defeat to Montreal, the eventual Grey Cup champions.
Speaking Out and Moving Forward
Kelly maintained his distance from the team during his suspension and refrained from speaking to the media upon his return. However, he acknowledged his mistakes in a statement. "I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts, and the CFL. I recognize that this is just one step in the process of bettering myself, but it is an important one, and I am committed to doing what is needed to be a better teammate, colleague, and person," Kelly said.
Argonauts General Manager Mike Clemons also addressed Kelly’s return, emphasizing the importance of accountability and growth. "This is an important step for Chad, who has taken full accountability for his actions and represents just the beginning of his ongoing commitment to bettering himself and learning from this experience. There continues to be much work to do to strengthen our team culture, and we are all committed with Chad's return, to work on this together, as a team," Clemons stated.
A Storied Career
Kelly’s football journey has been tumultuous, with stints at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi during his college years. He was the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, selected by the Denver Broncos. His tenure with the Broncos ended in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing.
Despite these challenges, Kelly’s talent on the field is undeniable. His leadership played a crucial role in Toronto's impressive record last season. As he steps back onto the field, both Kelly and the Argonauts face the road ahead with caution and hope, striving to rebuild trust and demonstrate growth both on and off the field.