Chad Kelly Rejoins Argonauts After Suspension, Eyes Return to Form
Chad Kelly made a notable return to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday, following his reinstatement by the Canadian Football League (CFL). This comeback marks the end of a lengthy suspension that began on May 7 due to Kelly's violation of the CFL's gender-based violence policy.
The CFL's disciplinary action was rooted in an independent investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach. The coach accused Kelly of sexual harassment and the Argonauts of wrongful dismissal. Through mediation, the lawsuit was settled in June, but Kelly's path to reinstatement was far from straightforward.
Under the terms of his suspension, Kelly was required to undergo confidential psychological assessments by an independent expert and attend counseling sessions with a specialist in gender-based violence. These sessions were mandated to ensure Kelly's commitment to addressing his actions and their severe implications.
The CFL confirmed it had received Kelly's assessment and would review the results with the aid of experts before finalizing his return. Prior to his reinstatement, Kelly also had a personal conversation with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie, further solidifying his path back to the field.
Kelly's comeback began with Sunday's practice, where he took approximately 70% of the starting offense snaps. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie expressed cautious optimism about Kelly's readiness for game action, mentioning plans to increase his workload during Monday's practice sessions.
"It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building," Dinwiddie stated, reflecting the positive energy surrounding Kelly's return.
Toronto (5-4) is gearing up to host Saskatchewan (5-4-1) on Thursday night, but Dinwiddie remains wary of starting Kelly, given his limited practice time and absence from training camp. Kelly is expected to share reps with other quarterbacks on the roster, Cameron Dukes and veteran Nick Arbuckle, as he works towards regaining his form.
Having been out of action since Toronto's loss to Montreal in last year's East Division final, Kelly's return holds significant weight. As the leader of a team that achieved a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record last season, his absence left a tangible void.
However, the team's 2022 campaign ended in disappointment with a 38-17 home loss to eventual Grey Cup champions, Montreal. Kelly's return presents an opportunity for redemption, both personally and professionally.
Throughout his suspension, Kelly maintained his distance from the team and refrained from engaging with the media upon his return. In a statement, he expressed contrition and a commitment to personal growth.
"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 remarked.
Argonauts General Manager Mike Clemons echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader implications of Kelly's return for the team.
"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 noted.
Kelly's professional journey has been marked by both promise and pitfalls. Before joining the CFL, he had stints at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi during his college years. As the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, Kelly's aspirations were cut short when the Broncos released him in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing.
Now, with a renewed focus and the backing of his team, Kelly aims to rebuild his career and contribute meaningfully to the Argonauts' success. As Toronto looks ahead to its clash with Saskatchewan, the team—and Kelly in particular—stand at a crossroads, balancing the weight of past actions with the promise of a new chapter.