Chad Kelly made a significant return to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday after being reinstated by the Canadian Football League (CFL). The quarterback had been under suspension since May 7 for breaching the CFL’s gender-based violence policy. This suspension ruled him out of two exhibition games and the first nine regular-season fixtures.
The Journey to Reinstatement
The suspension stemmed from an independent investigation linked to a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach. The lawsuit accused Kelly of sexual harassment and claimed wrongful dismissal against the Toronto Argonauts. After several months, the legal matter concluded in June through mediation, paving the way for Kelly’s possible return.
However, the path back to the field wasn’t straightforward. Under the suspension terms, Kelly needed to complete confidential assessments by an independent expert and participate in counseling sessions with a gender-based violence specialist. Only after satisfactorily meeting these requirements could Kelly be reconsidered for reinstatement.
The CFL received Kelly's confidential psychological assessment and reviewed it with expert assistance. The league also ensured that Kelly spoke to CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie before finalizing his reinstatement. Following this, Kelly was cleared to rejoin his team on Sunday.
Back in Action
Sunday marked Kelly's first practice with the Argonauts after his extended absence. Kelly, who had been out of action since Toronto's loss to Montreal in last year's East Division final, took about 70% of the snaps with the starting offense, signaling his readiness to contribute.
"I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts, and the CFL," Kelly said. "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 was met positively by his teammates and coaching staff. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie expressed his relief and optimism, stating, "It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building."
Preparation for Upcoming Matches
As the Argonauts prepare to host Saskatchewan on Thursday night, Dinwiddie indicated a cautious approach with Kelly's involvement. The head coach mentioned that Kelly’s workload would increase during Monday’s practice sessions but remained uncertain about starting him in the upcoming game. Kelly’s limited practice time and absence from training camp were cited as significant factors in this cautious approach.
With Toronto holding a 5-4 record, the team is positioned for a competitive clash against Saskatchewan. Despite the uncertainty regarding Kelly's role, Dinwiddie hinted at a possible scenario where Kelly might share reps with other quarterbacks, Cameron Dukes and veteran Nick Arbuckle, to manage the situation effectively.
Historical Context
Chad Kelly’s time with the Argonauts has been eventful. Last season, he led the team to an impressive league-best 16-2 record, setting a franchise record. However, their journey ended in disappointment with a 38-17 home loss to Montreal, who eventually clinched the Grey Cup.
Kelly's football career includes notable collegiate stints at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi. His professional journey saw him being the final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Kelly’s tenure with the Broncos ended in 2018 after an arrest for criminal trespassing, marking a turbulent period before his current chapter in the CFL.
Commitment to Improvement
Argonauts General Manager Mike Clemons echoed the sentiments of moving forward constructively. "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," Clemons said. "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 integrated steps towards improvement, his team's cautious optimism, and upcoming games will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. As Kelly works to rebuild trust and demonstrate his commitment to personal and professional growth, this chapter serves as a crucial turning point in his journey with the Toronto Argonauts and the CFL.