Former Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly was suspended by the CFL for at least nine games

Former Ole Miss and current Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly has been suspended nine games by the Canadian Football League for violating its gender-based violence policy.

All of this comes following an independent investigation into allegations from a former assistant strength coach that came to light last February. The former coach is suing Toronto for wrongful termination and suing Kelly for sexual harassment in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Kelly is the league’s reigning Most Outstanding Player but has been mired in controversy since the lawsuit was first filed in court. The plaintiff claims that Kelly “repeatedly attempted to initiate romantic relationships” throughout the two seasons, and the plaintiff was allegedly fired after bringing the allegations to the team.

“Players are the ambassadors of our great game,” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement Tuesday. “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 angles. 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 must take full advantage of this opportunity for personal improvement to return to the CFL.”

He must undergo mandatory counseling, with the league having the opportunity to reevaluate his suspension once the process is complete.

Chad Kelly has been suspended by the CFL for at least nine games (RJJohnston/Toronto Star) (RJ Johnston Toronto Star/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

In his defense, Chad Kelly has denied the allegations made against him, stating that the plaintiff “made these false allegations against him solely to draw media attention to an otherwise very routine termination situation.” Kelly has denied the allegations in a court proceeding, but the independent investigation found there was enough evidence against him to suspend him under the CFL’s conduct policy.

Toronto has said they were not aware of any conduct by Kelly that violated league or team policy. Chad Kelly is the nephew of former Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly and became a hot topic during his time at Ole Miss, both on and off the field.

The former Ole Miss quarterback was the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. After spending some time getting a foothold in the league, he began playing in Canada, where his value skyrocketed during the 2022 Gray Cup, when he came off the bench to lead Toronto to victory.

The following season, Kelly received a new contract after a successful season with the Argonauts in which he rushed for 4,123 yards and 23 touchdowns, making him the highest-paid player in the league.

Now suspended for nine games next season, Kelly will have to face these allegations in court while trying to continue playing football in the future.