Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly is officially back on the Canadian Football League (CFL) roster following his suspension for violating the CFL’s gender-based violence policy earlier this year.
Kelly was originally suspended on May 7, ruling him out of Toronto’s two exhibition games and the first nine games of the regular season. His suspension was the result of serious allegations from a lawsuit filed by a former strength and conditioning coach who accused him of sexual harassment.
After months of speculation and uncertainty, the league announced Kelly’s return on Sunday, saying he was reinstated under what’s known as a “last chance agreement,” meaning he must continue to meet certain confidential conditions to remain with the team.
While the CFL has not disclosed the specifics of those terms, it stressed the importance of Kelly demonstrating his commitment to the league’s standards. This reinstatement is a major milestone for the quarterback, who was named the league’s Most Outstanding Player just last year.
Before his suspension, Kelly had impressive statistics, throwing for over 4,100 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, and his performance helped the Argonauts to a career-best record of 16 wins and just two losses.
The controversy erupted after Kelly’s suspension was linked to the lawsuit, which the CFL said was settled through mediation earlier this summer. The league’s decision to reinstate him reflects both the settlement of the lawsuit and Kelly’s efforts to restore his image.
Following his reinstatement, Argonauts general manager Mike Clemons spoke positively about Kelly’s future, stating, “This is an important step for Chad, who has taken full responsibility for his actions.” He emphasized the team’s willingness to work together and improve the company culture with Kelly’s return.
During his suspension, Kelly was involved in confidential evaluations and mandatory counseling sessions as part of the reinstatement process. These steps were prerequisites to Kelly’s return and underscored the CFL’s zero-tolerance stance toward player conduct violations.
After successfully completing these requirements, Kelly contacted CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie directly, and their discussions may have been instrumental in his return to the team.
During his absence, Toronto was able to maintain its position with a 5-4 record, making it a contender even without its star quarterback. Kelly’s last game with the Argonauts was their loss to Montreal in the East Division final, leaving fans eager for his return.
This week, Kelly has increased his practice workload, and head coach Ryan Dinwiddie plans to gradually increase it as he prepares for the upcoming game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The excitement is palpable; Dinwiddie noted, “It was good to have him back with us, and his teammates were excited to see him back in the building.”
Despite the positive response, the final decision on whether Kelly will face Saskatchewan is still unclear. Dinwiddie hinted at possible agreements to split playing time between him and the team’s other two quarterbacks, Cameron Dukes and Nick Arbuckle.
Looking back, Kelly’s career was turbulent, starting with his college years at Ole Miss, where he rushed for yards and touchdowns, and rose to prominence when he led the Rebels to victory in the Sugar Bowl in the 2015 season.
Kelly was drafted last by the Denver Broncos in 2017, but his NFL career faced obstacles early on, including legal issues that led to his release from the team. After bouncing from one to the other, he eventually found success with the Argonauts, where he looked to turn his career around.
Now 30 years old, Kelly’s professional future is within reach of this “last chance.” While many eyes are on him, fans and critics alike wonder if he will use this new opportunity to cement his status not only as a player, but as a respected member of the league.
In his statement following his reinstatement, he emphasized his acknowledgement of his mistakes: “I am sorry for my actions and the impact they had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts and the CFL.” Kelly knows that his reinstatement is about more than just football; it is a testament to his commitment to personal growth and responsibility.
With the Argonauts currently in a good mid-season position, Kelly’s return could revive their playoff hopes. If all goes well, who knows? This could be the comeback story fans have been waiting for.
Despite the challenges, the future looks bright for Kelly’s reintegration. The Argonauts must focus on building their culture and performance on a stronger foundation moving forward.
