CFL suspends Chad Kelly nine games for violating gender-based violence policy

The CFL has suspended the Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly at least nine games for violating its gender-based violence policy.

Kelly was also suspended for Toronto’s two preseason games for the upcoming 2024 season. He must undergo a confidential evaluation by an independent expert and attend mandatory counseling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert, the league announced. The league commissioned an independent, third-party investigation to reach this decision.

“Players are the ambassadors of our great game,” CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. “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.”

The suspension stems from allegations made against Kelly by a former Argonauts assistant strength coach in February. The complainant said the team informed her in January that her contract with the club would not be renewed. She joined the franchise in 2018 and said her contract was previously continually renewed. She is seeking $80,000 from Kelly, $85,714 from the Argonauts and $10,000 in punitive damages Sportsnet.

Chad Kelly is coming off an MVP season in the CFL

Kelly, 30, was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player last season after leading Toronto to a league-best 16-2 record. He finished the season with 4,123 yards, 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a pass rate of 68.5%. Kelly was forced into action after an injury to the starting quarterback McLeod Bethel Thompson during the 2022 Gray Cup and led Toronto to its record-tying 18th championship. Last summer, he signed a three-year, $1.865 million contract with the Argonauts, becoming the CFL’s highest-paid player.

Kelly, “Mr. Irrelevant” of the 2017 NFL Draft, signed with the Argonauts in 2022. Before his CFL career, he had stints with the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts. He played 22 games over two seasons at Ole Miss and famously led the Rebels to a 43-37 road victory over No. 2 Alabama in 2015.