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Chad Kelly’s meeting with Randy Ambrosie does not lead to a solution for reinstatement


Chad Kelly’s meeting with Randy Ambrosie does not lead to a solution for reinstatement

The meeting between quarterback Chad Kelly and Canadian Football League Commissioner Randy Ambrosie did not result in a resolution to his request for reinstatement, reports TSN Football Insider Dave Naylor.

Naylor added that the league wanted to impose a “last chance agreement” as a condition for Kelly’s return, which his representatives said would deprive him of rights under the collective bargaining agreement.

The Toronto Argonauts have a free week and are scheduled to resume training on Sunday.

The league announced in suspending Kelly before the season that the 2023 Most Outstanding Player must satisfactorily complete required counseling sessions and pass an evaluation by an independent expert in order to return following an investigation into a lawsuit filed by the team’s former conditioning coach.

The lawsuit alleged that Kelly repeatedly made unwanted romantic advances that escalated to threats. The lawsuit was eventually settled through mediation.

“Mr. Kelly’s suspension is the direct result of his conduct,” Ambrosie said at the time. “The additional mandatory counseling is aimed at his need for self-reflection and understanding of his actions. He must take full advantage of this.”

As part of the suspension, Kelly was also banned for at least nine regular season games and two preseason games.

Kelly, 30, is a Buffalo native and the nephew of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly. He signed a three-year, $1.865 million contract extension with the Argos last fall, making him the highest-paid player in the league.

In 2023, the Ole Miss product threw for 4,123 yards on 270 of 394 passes and scored 23 touchdowns, winning the league’s highest individual award.

After a 16-2 regular season, the reigning Grey Cup winners Argos lost to eventual champions, the Montreal Alouettes, 38-17 in the Eastern Final.

The Argonauts are 5-4 this season without Kelly, with Cameron Dukes and Nick Arbuckle both starting. Toronto will host the Saskatchewan Roughriders next Thursday after their break.

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