Chad Kelly’s anticipated return to the Toronto Argonauts was marked by a significant development on Sunday, as he rejoined the team following his reinstatement by the Canadian Football League (CFL). Kelly had been serving a suspension since May 7, imposed for violations of the CFL's gender-based violence policy.
Kelly's Suspension and Reinstatement
The suspension came after an independent investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach, who accused Kelly of sexual harassment and the Argonauts of wrongful dismissal. The lawsuit was settled in June through mediation.
As part of the suspension terms, Kelly was required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend counseling sessions with a gender-based violence specialist. Completion of these requirements was a prerequisite for his reinstatement.
The league confirmed that it had received Kelly's psychological assessment and reviewed the results with the help of experts before making the final decision on his return. Kelly also had a conversation with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie before his reinstatement was finalized.
Kelly's Statement and Team Reception
Reflecting on the incident, Kelly expressed remorse 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," said Kelly.
His return was met positively within the Argonauts’ camp. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie commented, "It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building."
General Manager Mike Clemons also noted Kelly's accountability, stating, "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."
Back on the Field
Kelly participated in Sunday’s practice, taking about 70% of the starting offense snaps, signaling a slow but steady reintegration into the team's dynamics. Head coach Dinwiddie mentioned plans to increase Kelly's workload during Monday's practice sessions. However, Dinwiddie expressed caution regarding Kelly starting the upcoming game against Saskatchewan, given Kelly's limited practice time and absence from training camp. Kelly is expected to split reps with Cameron Dukes and veteran Nick Arbuckle.
Toronto and Saskatchewan both hold a 5-4 record this season, with Toronto set to host on Thursday night. Kelly’s return adds a layer of intrigue to the matchup, as both teams are vying to gain momentum at the midpoint of the season.
Looking Back and Ahead
Kelly has been out of action since Toronto's loss to Montreal in last year's East Division final. During his suspension, Kelly maintained his distance from the team and refrained from speaking to the media upon his return. Despite his recent challenges, Kelly has a storied football journey that includes collegiate stints at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi, culminating in being the last pick of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. His tenure with the Broncos ended in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing.
Before his suspension, Kelly led the Argonauts to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record last season. However, their impressive run was cut short with a 38-17 home loss to Montreal in the East Division final, the team that eventually clinched the Grey Cup.
As Kelly takes this pivotal step in his professional career, both the Argonauts and their fans are hopeful that his return will bolster the team’s performance on the field while also contributing positively to the team culture off the field. His journey ahead, starting with Thursday’s game, will be closely watched by many.