By Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press, August 20, 2024.

Argonauts coach Ryan Dinwiddie says recently reinstated quarterback Chad Kelly will start Thursday when the Argonauts host the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Kelly (12) makes the pass during the first half of the CFL Eastern Division final against the Montreal Alouettes in Toronto, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly issued a public apology Tuesday for his conduct that led to his suspension for violating the CFL’s gender-based violence policy. Kelly’s apology came two days after he was conditionally reinstated by the CFL. The league had suspended Kelly for Toronto’s two tryouts and at least the first nine games of the regular season on May 7 for his violation. “I’m sorry for my conduct, I’m sorry for what I did,” Kelly told the assembled media – including nine television cameras – after Toronto’s practice at Lamport Stadium. “I’ve impacted a lot of people – my teammates, my coaches, women, my family – I feel bad about the situation that happened. I’ve grown, I’ve learned not only over the last few months, but every day I try to get better, be a better person, a better teammate, a better man. I just want everyone to know that I’m sorry and I’m going to do better and be a better teammate and person.” The CFL said Sunday the conditions are confidential and will not be disclosed. Kelly did not specify the actions that led to his suspension from the league, but that followed an independent investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former Argos strength and conditioning coach against Kelly for sexual harassment and against the team for wrongful discharge. The lawsuit was settled through mediation in June. “I know what I have to do and what’s at stake every day,” Kelly said. “I’m grateful to have a group of people around me, but yes, I’m going to strive to do exactly what it takes to make sure that I stay on the football field, I stay to become a better person. There’s always more to do. This isn’t just over and done with. There’s always more to do.” Initially, Kelly publicly denied the harassment allegations and said he intended to defend himself and seek a dismissal. The CFL standout player last season said the time to reflect made him realize the impact of his actions. “I would say that over the course of these months, you realize what was actually done and what was accomplished,” he said. “This person (the complainant) obviously deserves all the respect, no matter what gender they are. “Everyone puts a lot of work and time into perfecting their craft and no one should have to go through the heartache and mental side of things that people who are affected by this have to go through… I’m focused on being with my teammates and trying to impart knowledge about what is right and what is wrong.” Kelly would not say whether he has contacted the complainant and apologized in person. During his suspension, Kelly was required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend mandatory counseling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert. Both the counseling sessions and the assessments had to be satisfactorily completed before the CFL would consider Kelly’s reinstatement, and the league reserved the right to modify its disciplinary actions. The CFL announced on Aug. 10 that it had received Kelly’s confidential psychological evaluation and would review the results with the help of experts before deciding on Kelly’s reinstatement. As part of that process, Kelly met with CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “I know that mistake will not happen again,” Kelly said. “That’s why the commissioner and I talked and he believed in me and I believe he wants to help me and I’m going to help him rebuild me and the CFL. You can believe me or not, but I’m an honest guy, I think I’m sincere and honest. I want to do better, I’m going to be better and I’m going to show everybody.” Kelly plans to resume his community service work and reconnect with the Argos’ younger fans as well as their female supporters. “It’s just about being able to feel comfortable again and make everyone else feel comfortable around me because I’ve impacted a lot of people, not just myself,” Kelly said. “I know it’s going to take time, I know it’s going to take a lot of effort, but I’m in it. I’m facing it head on. I’ve got to do better and I’m going to do better.” Kelly won’t have to wait long for a chance to win over the Argos’ loyal fans on the football field. On Thursday night, he will suit up for Toronto (5-4) against the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-4-1). “I wanted to see it (on Tuesday) and about halfway through practice I had made up my mind,” Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said. “I want (the fans) to know that Chad has sincerely apologized and is in the process of getting better and learning from this mistake. Chad is learning from this, he’s going to continue to grow and that’s just the way things are.” With Kelly back in the team, Toronto has released sophomore Bryan Scott. He played in all nine of Toronto’s games but only appeared in the club’s 30-20 loss to Montreal on June 28, where he completed all five passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. “We couldn’t keep him on the practice squad, we didn’t have room there and unfortunately we couldn’t keep four (quarterbacks),” Dinwiddie said. “Bryan has done some good things for us, we still believe in him. I even told him (on Tuesday) that I wouldn’t be shocked if we tried to bring him back at some point.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 20, 2024. 27
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