Chad Kelly made a notable return to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday, reinstated by the Canadian Football League (CFL) after serving a suspension linked to a violation of the league's gender-based violence policy. The Argonauts quarterback had been sidelined since May 7, missing both of the team’s exhibition matches and the first nine regular-season games.
This decision followed an independent investigation triggered by a lawsuit from a former strength-and-conditioning coach who accused Kelly of sexual harassment and the Argonauts of wrongful dismissal. The lawsuit was ultimately resolved through mediation in June.
Terms of Suspension and Reinstatement
Kelly's suspension came with stringent conditions aimed at addressing the issue. He was required to undergo a series of confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend counseling sessions with a gender-based violence expert. Only after satisfactorily completing these obligations would he be eligible for reinstatement.
The CFL, scrutinizing his confidential psychological assessment with the help of experts, gave the green light for Kelly's return. Before his reinstatement became official, Kelly had a conversation with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
Upon his return to the team, Kelly participated in practice sessions, taking about 70% of the snaps with the starting offense. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie indicated plans to increase Kelly's workload during the subsequent practices.
Head Coach and General Manager's Perspectives
Expressing a cautious approach, Dinwiddie stated the challenges of having Kelly start in Thursday's game against Saskatchewan, particularly due to his limited practice time and absence from the training camp. Kelly is expected to share reps with his fellow quarterbacks, Cameron Dukes and veteran Nick Arbuckle.
"It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building," Dinwiddie remarked.
Argonauts General Manager Mike Clemons shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the path Kelly is on for personal improvement. "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."
Kelly’s Background and Team Impact
During his suspension, Kelly maintained distance from the team, steering clear of media interactions upon his return. His absence from action dates back to Toronto's loss to Montreal in last season's East Division final.
Last season, Kelly led the Argonauts to a remarkable 16-2 record, the best in the league and a franchise record. However, their quest for the Grey Cup ended abruptly with a significant 38-17 home loss to Montreal in the East Division final.
Before joining the CFL, Kelly had a diverse football journey, including 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, who released him following an arrest for criminal trespassing in 2018.
Reflecting on his return, Kelly expressed remorse for his actions. "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."
Toronto, currently balancing a 5-4 record, is preparing to host Saskatchewan (5-4-1) on Thursday night. As the team readies itself for this crucial encounter, Kelly's return injects a new dynamic into the mix, embodying the journey of redemption and accountability he is set to pursue.