Chad Kelly Reinstated by CFL, Returns to Toronto Argonauts
Chad Kelly made a notable return to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday, marking his reinstatement by the Canadian Football League (CFL). This comeback follows a period of suspension imposed on May 7, which saw Kelly sidelined for the Argos' two exhibition games and their first nine regular-season contests. The suspension stemmed from Kelly's violation of the CFL's gender-based violence policy.
The CFL's decision to suspend Kelly was influenced by an independent investigation prompted by a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach. The lawsuit accused Kelly of sexual harassment and the Argonauts of wrongful dismissal. It was eventually settled in June through mediation.
Following the settlement, Kelly's pathway to reinstatement required him to undergo confidential assessments and counseling sessions with a gender-based violence expert. The CFL stipulated that these conditions had to be satisfactorily completed for Kelly to be considered for a return to professional play. The league confirmed receipt of Kelly's confidential psychological assessment, which would be reviewed with the assistance of experts before making a final decision.
Prior to his reinstatement, Kelly engaged in a candid conversation with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie, marking the last step in his return process. Upon receiving the green light, Kelly participated in Sunday's practice session, where he took about 70% of the starting offense snaps. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie expressed cautious optimism about Kelly's return, noting plans to increase his workload in the upcoming practice sessions.
Kelly Back in the Lineup
Toronto, currently holding a 5-4 record, is set to host Saskatchewan, who are at 5-4-1, on Thursday night. While Kelly's return to practice is a significant step, Dinwiddie hinted at a cautious approach regarding Kelly starting the game, given his limited practice time and absence from training camp. Instead, Kelly is expected to split reps with the Argos' other quarterbacks, Cameron Dukes, and veteran Nick Arbuckle.
Kelly has been out of action since Toronto's loss to Montreal in last year's East Division final, a game that ended the Argonauts' season with a 38-17 defeat at home. During his suspension, Kelly maintained a distance from the team and refrained from speaking to the media upon his return. He led the Argos to a remarkable 16-2 record last season, setting a league-best and franchise-record, only for their run to be cut short by the eventual Grey Cup champions.
Kelly's Road to Redemption
Chad Kelly's football journey has been a tumultuous one, spanning across stints at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi during his college years. In 2017, Kelly was the last pick in the NFL Draft, selected by the Denver Broncos. However, his tenure with the Broncos was short-lived, ending in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing. Now, with a new chapter unfolding in Toronto, Kelly seems resolute in making the most of his second chance.
"I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts, and the CFL," said Kelly. "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."
A Team Rebuilds
His return has been met with a positive response from some quarters. "It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building," says head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. This sentiment was echoed by Argonauts General Manager Mike Clemons, who emphasized 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 focus now shifts to how Kelly reintegrates and performs on the field. Thursday night's face-off against Saskatchewan will be a critical test, not just for Kelly, but for the Argonauts as a whole. As Toronto navigates this pivotal moment in their season, the hope is that this development will galvanize the team, reinforcing their commitment to excellence both on and off the field.