Toronto Argonauts QB Chad Kelly (12) throws against the Montreal Alouettes during CFL play in Montreal, Sept. 15, 2023. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)
Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly publicly apologized Tuesday for his conduct that led to his suspension for violating the Canadian Football League’s gender-based violence policy.
Kelly’s apology came two days later he was reinstatedsubject to conditions, by the league. The league Kelly suspended on May 7 for Toronto’s two exhibition games and at least the first nine games of the regular season because of his violation.
“I’m sorry for my actions. I’m sorry for what I did,” Kelly said after Toronto’s practice at Lamport Stadium. “I’ve affected a lot of people – my teammates, my coaches, wives, my family – I feel bad about the situation that happened.”
“I’ve grown, I’ve learned not only in the last few months, but every day I try to get better, to be a better person, a better teammate, a better man. I just want everyone to know that I’m sorry and that I’m going to get better because of this and be a better teammate and person.”
The CFL said Sunday the terms were confidential and would not be disclosed.
Kelly, the nephew of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, did not provide details of 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 termination. 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 thankful to have a group of people around me, but yes, I’m going to strive to do exactly what it takes to make sure I stay on the football field. I’m staying to be a better person.”
Kelly initially publicly denied the harassment allegations and said he wanted to defend himself and seek dismissal. The CFL’s standout player last season said he didn’t realize the consequences of his actions until he took time to reflect.
“I would say that over the course of these months, you realise what has actually been done and what has been achieved,” he said. “This person (the complainant) obviously deserves all the respect, regardless of gender.”
“Everyone puts a lot of time and effort into perfecting their craft and no one should have to go through the heartache and mental distress that people who are affected by it have to go through. … I focus on being with my teammates and trying to impart knowledge to them about what is right and what is wrong.”
Kelly, 30, wants to resume his social work and reconnect with the Argos’ younger and female fans.
“You can believe me or not, but I’m an honest guy, I think I’m authentic and sincere,” he said. “I want to do better, I’m going to be better and I’m going to show everyone.”
Kelly will start for Toronto (5-4) against the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-4-1) on Thursday night.
He played in college at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi. He was the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, selected by the Denver Broncos. The team released him in 2018 after he arrested for trespassing.
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