Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly has been suspended by the CFL for at least nine games

The Canadian Football League has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games for violating the league’s gender-based violence policy.

The decision comes after the league commissioned an independent, third-party investigation into allegations made against Kelly in February by a former Argos assistant strength coach, who is suing him for sexual harassment and the team for wrongful dismissal.

According to the league, Kelly’s return to action is contingent on her undergoing a confidential evaluation by an independent expert and attending mandatory counseling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert. At the end of that process, Kelly will be re-evaluated, with the league reserving the right to change his discipline.

“Players are the ambassadors of our great game,” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement released by the league Tuesday afternoon. “They are expected to be leaders in the locker room and role models in the community. It was important that we did our due diligence to properly investigate this matter from all aspects. This in-depth investigation found that Mr. Kelly clearly violated the CFL’s gender-based violence policy.

“Mr. Kelly’s suspension is the direct result of his behavior. The addition of mandatory counseling focuses on his need for self-reflection and understanding of his actions. He must take full advantage of this opportunity for personal growth in order to return to the CFL.”

Kelly, 30, is the nephew of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and the CFL’s reigning Most Outstanding Player. He came to the CFL in 2022 as the Argos’ backup quarterback after years of indiscretions that followed him from high school to the NFL, where he was the last pick of the draft in 2017.

It was widely reported that Kelly’s draft stock declined in large part due to questions about his character off the field.

He rose to prominence in Canada when he came off the bench in the 2022 Gray Cup game and led the Argonauts to a victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, followed by an outstanding 2023 season that earned him only MOP honors. but also a new contract that made him the highest paid player in the CFL.