Chad Kelly will start at quarterback for the Toronto Argonauts when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday in Week 12, head coach Ryan Dinwiddie confirmed to the media on Tuesday.
Kelly, 30, was reinstated by the CFL on Sunday after being suspended for two tryouts and the first nine games of the regular season for violating its gender-based violence policy.
“I’m sorry for my behavior. I’m sorry for what I did,” Kelly told reporters after practice Tuesday. “I affected a lot of people … my teammates, my coaches, wives, my family. I’m sorry for the situation. I’ve grown, I’ve learned not only in the last few months, but I’m trying to be better every day. To be a better person, a better teammate, a better man. I have to own my mistakes and I know what I did wrong and I’ve learned from it.”
“I’ve done more than what’s asked of me because I want to do it right. I want to make sure everyone believes I’ll never do something like that again. I know I’ve affected a lot of people, including the person himself, so I just want everyone to know I’m sorry and I’m going to get better.”
Kelly said it was during his time away from football that he became aware of “what was actually happening and what was being accomplished.”
“This person obviously deserves all the respect, regardless of gender,” he said. “Everyone puts a lot of work and time into perfecting their craft. No one should have to go through the heartache and psychological consequences that people who are affected by this go through.”
ContentId(1.2164044): “I’m sorry for what I did. I’m sorry for what I did.” Kelly apologizes and vows to do better
Cameron Dukes started the first seven games of this season at quarterback and threw for 1,398 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions before being sidelined with a right leg injury.
Nick Arbuckle started Week 10 against the Calgary Stampeders and threw for 181 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 39-25 win.
Kelly said he was not concerned about the public criticism he would likely face upon his return.
“I focus on being a better person every day, and like I said, people are open to their own opinions,” Kelly said.
Kelly is the league’s reigning Most Outstanding Player after leading the Argonauts to a 16-2 record last season, which tied the 1989 Edmonton franchise’s record in CFL history. The Mississippi native struggled in the East Final, throwing four interceptions in a crushing loss to the Montreal Alouettes.
The 6’2″ pivot player finished fourth in the league with 4,123 passing yards and 23 touchdowns with 270 completed passes and 12 interceptions.
In Kelly’s absence, the Argonauts are in third place in the East Division with a record of 5-4.
