Chad Kelly has officially returned to the Toronto Argonauts, marking a pivotal comeback following his reinstatement by the Canadian Football League (CFL) after a prolonged suspension. Kelly's return was confirmed on Sunday after fulfilling the mandatory conditions imposed by the league in light of a serious policy violation.
Suspension and Consequences
Kelly's suspension, issued on May 7, came as a consequence of breaching the CFL's gender-based violence policy. The penalty included a ban from two exhibition games and the first nine regular-season matches. This decisive action followed an independent investigation stemming from allegations made by a former strength-and-conditioning coach, who accused Kelly of sexual harassment and the Argonauts of wrongful dismissal. The legal dispute concluded with a settlement in June through mediation.
As part of the suspension terms, Kelly was required to undergo a series of confidential assessments conducted by an independent expert and attend counseling sessions with a gender-based violence specialist. These conditions were non-negotiable prerequisites for his reinstatement into the league.
Conditional Reinstatement
Before his return, the CFL meticulously reviewed Kelly's confidential psychological assessment with the assistance of qualified experts. Additionally, Kelly had a direct conversation with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. The league ultimately confirmed that Kelly had met all necessary criteria to be considered for reinstatement.
Upon his return to the Argonauts' facility, Kelly participated in the team's practice on Sunday, taking approximately 70% of the snaps with the starting offense. Toronto's head coach, Ryan Dinwiddie, reflected on the team's morale, saying, "It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building." Dinwiddie has also indicated plans to gradually increase Kelly’s involvement in practice sessions to ensure he regains match fitness.
Upcoming Challenges
As Toronto prepares to host Saskatchewan on Thursday night, the question of Kelly's immediate impact remains in focus. Despite the team's respectable record of 5-4, Dinwiddie exercises caution about Kelly starting the upcoming game, citing the quarterback’s limited practice time and absence from the preseason training camp. Kelly is expected to share reps with Cameron Dukes and veteran Nick Arbuckle.
Kelly, who had maintained his distance from the team during his suspension and refrained from media interactions upon his return, led the Argonauts to an outstanding 16-2 record last season, setting both league and franchise records. However, their remarkable run was cut short in the East Division final with a 38-17 loss to the eventual Grey Cup champions, Montreal.
Path to Redemption
Addressing his past actions and the road ahead, Kelly expressed remorse and a commitment to self-improvement. "I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts, and the CFL. I recognize that this is just one step in the process of bettering myself, but it is an important one, and I am committed to doing what is needed to be a better teammate, colleague, and person," stated Kelly.
General Manager Mike Clemons also recognized Kelly's efforts towards accountability and personal growth. "This is an important step for Chad, who has taken full accountability for his actions and represents just the beginning of his ongoing commitment to bettering himself and learning from this experience. There continues to be much work to do to strengthen our team culture, and we are all committed with Chad's return, to work on this together, as a team," Clemons emphasized.
A Storied Past
Kelly’s football journey has seen its share of highs and lows. During his college years, he played for Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi. He was the final pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, selected by the Denver Broncos, who released him in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing.
As Kelly steps back onto the field with the Argos, both he and the team are poised for a period of adjustment and potential redemption. His return brings both anticipation and a clear focus on fostering a stronger, more unified team environment.