Chad Kelly Reinstated by CFL, Returns to Practice with Toronto Argonauts
Following a suspension that sidelined him for the start of the season, Chad Kelly made his much-anticipated return to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday. The quarterback, reinstated by the Canadian Football League (CFL), rejoined his team for practice after serving time off due to a violation of the league’s gender-based violence policy.
Kelly's suspension, which began on May 7, stemmed from accusations made by a former strength-and-conditioning coach, who alleged sexual harassment and wrongful dismissal in a lawsuit. The incident led to an independent investigation and eventual suspension of Kelly for two exhibition games and the first nine regular-season contests. The lawsuit was settled in June through mediation.
The CFL made it clear that Kelly would only be considered for reinstatement upon satisfactory completion of mandated assessments and counseling sessions with experts in gender-based violence. "I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts, and the CFL," Kelly acknowledged. "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."
Rejoining the Team
Kelly participated in Sunday’s practice, taking a significant share of the starting offense snaps. "It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building," head coach Ryan Dinwiddie remarked, highlighting the positive reception Kelly received from his peers.
However, with a game against Saskatchewan looming, Dinwiddie advised caution regarding Kelly’s immediate return to major game action. Despite an impressive record last season, where Kelly led the team to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2, his absence from this year’s training camp and initial regular season could impact his performance. The coach suggested that Kelly would likely share reps with Cameron Dukes and veteran Nick Arbuckle in the upcoming game.
The Road to Reinstatement
Under the terms of his suspension, Kelly had to undergo assessments and attend counseling sessions. The CFL confirmed receiving Kelly’s confidential psychological assessment, which they reviewed with expert help before making the final decision on his return. Furthermore, Commissioner Randy Ambrosie had a conversation with Kelly prior to completing his reinstatement.
Argonauts General Manager Mike Clemons spoke on the matter, expressing both support and the need for continued effort: "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."
Looking Back at Kelly’s Career
Chad Kelly’s football journey is marked by both promise and controversy. During his college years, Kelly played for Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi, making his mark in the collegiate circuit. He was then selected by the Denver Broncos as the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft but was released in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing.
Despite his tumultuous past, Kelly found success with the Argonauts, leading them to an impressive record last season. However, their remarkable run ended with a 38-17 loss to Montreal in the East Division final. Kelly, keeping a low profile during his suspension, refrained from media interactions upon his return.
The week ahead will be crucial not only for Kelly’s reintegration into the team but also for the Argonauts as they prepare to face Saskatchewan. With Toronto holding a 5-4 record, the team eyes a critical victory to bolster their season standings.
While Kelly’s return marks a significant step forward, both for the player and the organization, the true test lies in how well he can re-adapt to the rigors of professional football and contribute meaningfully to his team’s success on the field.