Chad Kelly has suspended at least nine CFL games for violating gender-based violence policies

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

According to the CFL’s official press release, Kelly must also undergo a confidential evaluation by an independent expert and attend mandatory counseling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert.

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie issued a statement regarding Kelly’s suspension in the press release:

“Players are the ambassadors of our great game. 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. That An 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.”

Kelly’s suspension stems from an investigation after a former Argonauts strength and conditioning coach filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the team and the quarterback.

According to TSN’s Rick Westhead, the lawsuit, filed in Ontario Superior Court on February 21, states that Kelly harassed the former coach and the Argonauts fired her after she rejected his advances.

“(The plaintiff) reported to her superiors the harassment she was experiencing in Chad,” the lawsuit states. “(The) Argonauts failed to address their legitimate concerns and subsequently terminated their employment.”

The coach worked for the Argonauts from 2018 to January 2024.

According to the CFL’s official policy, sanctions including suspension and loss of income are “an option only when the allegations are substantiated and the safety of a victim and/or community members is at risk.”

Kelly is entering his third season with Toronto. He began his college career at Clemson in 2012 before being fired in April 2014 for conduct detrimental to the team.

After spending one season at East Mississippi Community College, Kelly transferred to Mississippi in 2015. He played two years with the Rebels before being selected in the seventh round by the Denver Broncos in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Kelly spent time with the Broncos and Indianapolis Colts before signing with the Argonauts in February 2022. He was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player last year.

Toronto will play its first preseason game on May 25 against the Montreal Alouettes. The regular season opens June 9 against the BC Lions.

A minimum nine-game suspension means Kelly would not be eligible to play until Week 12 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on August 22 at the earliest.