Chad Kelly Reinstated by CFL, Returns to Toronto Argonauts
Chad Kelly made his return to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday following his reinstatement by the Canadian Football League (CFL). Kelly had been suspended on May 7 for the Argos' two exhibition games and the first nine regular-season contests after violating the CFL's gender-based violence policy.
The CFL's decision came after 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 reached a settlement in June through mediation.
Under the suspension terms, Kelly was mandated to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend counseling sessions with a gender-based violence expert. The assessments and counseling had to be satisfactorily completed for Kelly to be considered for reinstatement.
The CFL confirmed it had received Kelly's confidential psychological assessment and would review the results with the assistance of experts before making a final decision on his return. Following this, Kelly had a conversation with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie before his reinstatement was finalized.
Back on the Practice Field
Kelly's return was met with anticipation as he participated in Sunday's practice, taking about 70% of the starting offense snaps. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie mentioned plans to increase Kelly's workload during Monday's practice sessions.
Toronto (5-4) is set to host Saskatchewan (5-4-1) on Thursday night. While Kelly's involvement brings anticipation, Dinwiddie expressed caution regarding Kelly starting the game on Thursday, given his limited practice time and absence from training camp. There's a possibility that Kelly will split reps with the Argos' other quarterbacks, Cameron Dukes, and veteran Nick Arbuckle.
"It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building," Dinwiddie commented.
Past and Future
Kelly, 30, has been out of action since Toronto's loss to Montreal in last year's East Division final. He maintained his distance from the team during his suspension and abstained from speaking to the media upon his return.
Despite his personal challenges, Kelly's previous performance with the Argonauts is notable. He led the team to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record last season, although their run ended with a 38-17 home loss to eventual Grey Cup champions, Montreal, in the East Division final.
Kelly’s football journey includes stints at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi during his college years. He was the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, selected by the Denver Broncos, who released him in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing.
Statements and Commitments
Kelly has acknowledged his past actions with a statement through the Argonauts organization. "I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts, and the CFL," Kelly stated. "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 also expressed hope and highlighted the ongoing effort required from Kelly and 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," Clemons stated. "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 Argos now face the challenge of integrating Kelly back into their lineup and harnessing his potential while fostering a positive team culture. As Kelly works to regain his form on the field, the emphasis on personal growth and team unity will be crucial in the ensuing chapters of his career and the Argonauts' season.