Chad Kelly made a notable return to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday, marking his reinstatement by the Canadian Football League (CFL). Kelly had faced a suspension on May 7 for violating the CFL's gender-based violence policy, which cost him participation in two exhibition games and the first nine regular-season contests of this year.
The suspension followed an independent investigation into allegations brought by a former strength-and-conditioning coach, accusing Kelly of sexual harassment and the Argonauts of wrongful dismissal. This lawsuit was eventually settled in June through mediation.
Path to Reinstatement
Under the terms of his suspension, Kelly was required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend counseling sessions with a specialist in gender-based violence. These prerequisites had to be satisfactorily completed for him to be considered for reinstatement. The CFL confirmed it received Kelly's psychological assessment and intended to review the results with expert assistance before making a final decision on his return.
Before the finalization of his reinstatement, Kelly also had a significant conversation with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. Kelly’s return to practice saw him taking about 70% of the starting offense snaps, indicating a robust return to his team duties.
Team Dynamics
Argonauts’ head coach Ryan Dinwiddie expressed optimism about Kelly's return, stating, "It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building." However, Dinwiddie also mentioned plans to gradually increase Kelly's workload and voiced caution regarding the potential of him starting in the upcoming game against Saskatchewan. Given Kelly’s limited practice time and absence during training camp, he might split reps with fellow quarterbacks Cameron Dukes and veteran Nick Arbuckle.
The Argonauts, currently standing at a 5-4 record, are slated to host the 5-4-1 Saskatchewan team on Thursday night. This strategic caution underlines the team's focus on ensuring Kelly is fully prepared and re-integrated.
A Critical Return
Kelly’s return is punctuated by his significant contribution to the Argonauts last season, where he led the team to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record. Despite their commendable season, their campaign ended with a disappointing 38-17 home loss to the eventual Grey Cup champions, Montreal, in the East Division final. Kelly has maintained his distance from the team since his suspension and has refrained from speaking to the media post his reinstatement.
Reflecting on his actions and the path forward, Kelly stated, "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."
Statements from the Management
General Manager Mike Clemons acknowledged the severity yet necessity of the situation, saying, "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."
Kelly’s journey through college saw him playing for Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi, before being the last pick of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. His time with the Broncos ended in 2018 following an arrest for criminal trespassing. His tenure with the Argonauts will thus be watched closely, both for his on-field performance and off-field conduct, as he strives to rebuild his career and personal reputation.
As the Argonauts continue their season, the return of a key player like Kelly could provide a much-needed boost, but his reintegration process will be gradual and calculated, ensuring all facets of the team are aligned and ready for the challenges ahead.