Chad Kelly Returns to Argonauts After Suspension
Chad Kelly rejoined the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday, marking his return to the team following a suspension by the Canadian Football League (CFL). Kelly's reinstatement came after a significant absence due to violations of the CFL's gender-based violence policy.
Kelly faced a suspension on May 7, sidelining him for two exhibition games and the first nine regular-season contests. The disciplinary action was a result of an independent investigation into charges of sexual harassment filed by a former strength and conditioning coach, which also included accusations of wrongful dismissal against the Argonauts. The lawsuit concluded with a settlement reached through mediation in June.
As part of his suspension terms, Kelly was required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend counseling sessions led by a gender-based violence expert. The successful completion of these requirements was mandatory for his consideration for reinstatement. The CFL confirmed it had received Kelly's psychological assessment and reviewed the results with the assistance of experts before making the final decision to reinstate him. A dialogue with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie sealed Kelly’s return.
On his return, Kelly took part in Sunday's practice session, completing about 70% of the snaps for the starting offense. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie indicated plans to increase Kelly's involvement during Monday's practice.
Upcoming Game Raises Questions
The Argonauts are preparing for their upcoming home game against Saskatchewan this Thursday with both teams holding a record of 5-4. Despite Kelly’s return, Dinwiddie expressed caution about starting him in Thursday’s game due to his limited practice time and absence from the training camp. Kelly is expected to share reps with quarterbacks Cameron Dukes and the veteran Nick Arbuckle.
“It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building,” Dinwiddie said.
Kelly's time away from the team began after Toronto's loss to Montreal in the previous year's East Division final, a season where he had led the Argonauts to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record. The team's stellar run ended with a 38-17 home loss, and Kelly had maintained his distance from the team and media during his suspension.
Reflecting on Past Challenges
Kelly’s football journey has been a tumultuous one. After stints at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi during his college years, he was chosen as the last pick of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. However, his time with the Broncos was cut short in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing.
Upon his reinstatement, Kelly acknowledged the impact of his actions and the importance of his return as a step towards personal improvement.
“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 stated.
Team Efforts and Commitment
Argonauts General Manager Mike Clemons weighed in on Kelly’s return, emphasizing the importance of his accountability and the collective effort required to rebuild team culture.
“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 commented.
As the Argonauts move forward, Kelly’s reintegration into the team will be closely watched, both on and off the field. This chapter in Kelly’s career will test not only his resolve but also the collective spirit and resilience of the Toronto Argonauts.