Chad Kelly Returns to the Toronto Argonauts After Suspension
Chad Kelly made a notable return to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday after being reinstated by the Canadian Football League (CFL). Kelly had been suspended on May 7 due to violations of the CFL's gender-based violence policy, which resulted in his exclusion from two exhibition games and the first nine regular-season contests.
The suspension followed an independent investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach, accusing Kelly of sexual harassment and the Argonauts of wrongful dismissal. The lawsuit was settled in June through mediation, leading to the conditions set for Kelly's reinstatement.
Under the suspension terms, Kelly was required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend counseling sessions with a gender-based violence expert. These stipulations had to be met satisfactorily before Kelly could be considered for a return to the league. Upon receiving Kelly's psychological assessment, the CFL reviewed the results with assistance from experts, leading to a final decision on his reinstatement. Before this decision was finalized, Kelly had a conversation with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
Returning to the team for Sunday's practice, Kelly took about 70% of the starting offense snaps. Argonauts' head coach Ryan Dinwiddie remarked on Kelly's return, stating, "It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building." Dinwiddie also mentioned plans to increase Kelly's workload during Monday's practice sessions.
Toronto, currently holding a 5-4 record, is set to host Saskatchewan (5-4-1) on Thursday night. However, Dinwiddie expressed caution about Kelly starting the game, given his limited practice time and absence from training camp. The Argonauts might consider splitting the reps between Kelly, Cameron Dukes, and veteran Nick Arbuckle.
Kelly has been away from action since Toronto's loss to Montreal in last year's East Division final. Last season, Kelly led the team to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record. However, their impressive run ended with a 38-17 home loss to eventual Grey Cup champions, Montreal, in the East Division final.
After being suspended, Kelly maintained his distance from the team and abstained from speaking to the media upon his return. Demonstrating remorse, Kelly stated, "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."
Argonauts General Manager Mike Clemons expressed optimism about Kelly's return, emphasizing the ongoing work required to improve 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 said.
Kelly's return marks a significant moment for both the player and the team. His football journey began with stints at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi during his college years. He was selected as the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos but was released in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing.
As the Toronto Argonauts navigate Kelly's reintegration into the team, fans and players alike will be watching closely. His ability to successfully transition back into professional football will be crucial for both his career and the team's performance this season.