CFL suspends QB Kelly for at least nine games

The CFL has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games after investigating a lawsuit filed by a former strength and conditioning coach against the player and the club.

According to the CFL, Kelly is also suspended for Toronto’s two preseason games for violating its gender-based violence policy. Kelly must undergo a confidential assessment by an independent expert and attend mandatory counseling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert.

Both counseling sessions and evaluations must be completed satisfactorily before the CFL will consider Kelly’s reinstatement, the league added in a statement. Otherwise, the league reserves the right to change its discipline.

Kelly, 30, was the CFL’s standout player last season after leading Toronto to a league and franchise record 16-2 mark. But the Argos’ season ended with a 38-17 home loss to eventual Gray Cup champion Montreal in the East Division final.

There was no announcement of any penalties or sanctions against the Argos. However, the league added that the club’s conduct in this matter, as outlined by investigators, would be reviewed with the club.

Kelly could not immediately be reached for comment. Neither the Argos nor the CFL Players’ Association provided answers.

The CFL’s decision to launch its investigation came after the complainant filed a statement of claim with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice alleging a pattern of harassment by Kelly that began with unwanted romantic advances and escalated to instances of threatening comments.

The coach said the Argos failed to act when they learned of Kelly’s behavior and claimed assistant general manager John Murphy said she had “opened a can of worms that didn’t need to be opened”.

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said the league’s investigation found clear violations of its gender-based violence policies.

“It was important that we did our due diligence to properly investigate this matter from all aspects,” Ambrosie said in a statement. “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 conduct. The addition of mandatory counseling focuses on his need for self-reflection and understanding of his actions. He has to take full advantage of this.”

The complainant said she was informed in January that her contract with the club would not be renewed. The complainant had joined the franchise in 2018 and stated that her contract had previously been continuously renewed.

The complainant is seeking $80,000 from Kelly and a total of $85,714 from the Argos. The Canadian Press does not publish the names of alleged victims of harassment or sexual assault unless specifically authorized.

TSN also reported that the complainant is also seeking $10,000 in punitive damages.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2024