The CFL has re-hired Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly under a last-chance agreement.
Kelly, who has run into trouble at every stage of his football career from college to the NFL to the CFL, must honor the agreement…or else.
According to the league:
On May 7, the CFL imposed a minimum nine-game suspension on Mr. Kelly based on the results of a thorough third-party investigation into the allegations against him. During his suspension, Mr. Kelly was required to complete psychological evaluations and mandatory counseling sessions with an independent expert in the field of gender-based violence. Mr. Kelly served the ninth game of his suspension on August 9.
The CFL received Mr. Kelly’s final evaluation on August 10 and immediately began a thorough review of its findings. The CFL sought advice from an expert specializing in gender-based violence and met with the psychologist and counselor who had worked with Mr. Kelly, then attended a one-on-one meeting with Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.
The ongoing conditions for Mr. Kelly’s reinstatement reflect the need for him to continue to demonstrate his commitment to compliance with League standards. These conditions are confidential and will not be disclosed.
Update: Chad Kelly was reinstated under the Last Chance Agreement. pic.twitter.com/VX7hqSaHyq
— CFL Communications (@CFL_PR) 18 August 2024
The Argonauts, who are currently 5-4 and third in the CFL East, issued the following statement:
Toronto Argonauts update on Chad Kelly’s status pic.twitter.com/a2zp4oBHR3
— Toronto Argonauts Media Contacts (@ArgonautsMR) 18 August 2024
Kelly made a statement:
“I am sorry for my actions and the impact they have had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts and the CFL,” Kelly said in a statement from the Argos. “I realize this is just one step on the road to recovery, but it is an important step and I am committed to doing what is necessary to be a better teammate, colleague and person.”
“Considering this obligation, I have accepted the League’s terms for reinstatement, including its ‘Last Chance Agreement.'”
This sounds like an idea that the NFL and NFLPA should perhaps adopt from the CFL.
