Chad Kelly Returns to Toronto Argonauts After Suspension
Chad Kelly returned to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday, marking his comeback after a suspension imposed by the Canadian Football League (CFL). The quarterback had been sidelined since May 7 for violating the CFL's gender-based violence policy.
Kelly’s suspension followed an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made by a former strength-and-conditioning coach. The investigation also scrutinized claims of wrongful dismissal against the Argonauts. The lawsuit was ultimately settled in June through mediation. Under the terms of his suspension, Kelly was required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend counseling sessions focused on gender-based violence.
Upon completion of these obligatory sessions and assessments, the CFL reviewed Kelly's confidential psychological assessment with the aid of experts before granting his reinstatement. Kelly also had a conversation with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie prior to the finalization of his return.
Back on the Field
Participating in Sunday’s practice, Kelly took approximately 70% of the starting offense snaps. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie mentioned plans to increase Kelly's workload in Monday's practice sessions. Toronto, currently holding a 5-4 record, is set to host Saskatchewan, standing at 5-4-1, on Thursday night. Despite Kelly's return to practice, Dinwiddie expressed caution about starting him in the upcoming game, given his limited practice time and absence from training camp.
To ensure a balanced approach, Kelly is expected to share reps with fellow quarterbacks Cameron Dukes and veteran Nick Arbuckle. Kelly has not played since the Argonauts' loss to Montreal in last year's East Division final. Throughout his suspension, he maintained his distance from the team and refrained from speaking to the media upon his return.
Acknowledgment and Accountability
In a statement, Kelly addressed his past actions, saying, "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."
His return has been welcomed by his teammates and coaching staff. "It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building," said Dinwiddie. Argonauts General Manager Mike Clemons echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Kelly's accountability. "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."
The Road Ahead
Kelly's football journey has been marked by both achievements and setbacks. During his college years, he had stints at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi. He was the final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, selected by the Denver Broncos, who released him in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing.
Last season, Kelly led the Argonauts to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record. However, their promising run ended with a 38-17 home loss to the eventual Grey Cup champions, Montreal, in the East Division final.
As the Argonauts prepare for their upcoming game against Saskatchewan, Kelly's performance and integration back into the team will be closely watched. His return marks a significant step in his commitment to personal growth and accountability, both on and off the field.