CFL suspends Chad Kelly for at least nine games for actions against a strength coach

The Canadian Football League has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly, the league’s reigning MVP, for at least nine games for violating the league’s gender-based violence policy. This is related to a complaint from a woman who previously worked for the Argonauts as an assistant strength coach.

The CFL has not released details about what its investigation into Kelly’s conduct revealed, but his suspension is significant: It affects half of the CFL’s 18-game regular season and also covers the entire preseason. Kelly must also complete counseling, and the CFL’s statement leaves open the possibility that Kelly’s suspension could be extended if the results of his counseling are not satisfactory

“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 is what the detailed investigation revealed 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 personal development opportunity to return to the CFL.”

The coach said Kelly made unwanted romantic advances toward her and used threatening language when his advances were rebuffed.

Kelly, the nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, was cut from the team at Clemson in 2014, and although he played well after transferring to Ole Miss, questions about his character led to his value in the NFL draft 2017 fell. He was ultimately drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round, but only stayed with the Broncos for a year and a half before being released following his arrest for trespassing at a couple’s apartment after leaving teammate Von Miller’s Halloween party.

In 2019, he signed with the Colts and stayed for a year before being released and stating that he was retiring from playing football. But in 2022, he signed with the Argonauts and became a star in the CFL, leading the team to the Gray Cup championship in his first season and being named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in his second season.

Now his off-field problems have caused a significant setback to his career and he will miss at least half of this season.