CFL suspends Chad Kelly for violating gender-based violence policy

TORONTO – The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly on Tuesday 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.

Kelly is also suspended for Toronto’s two preseason games for violating gender-based violence policies, the league announced.

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.

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. The league added that the club’s conduct in this matter, as outlined by investigators, would be reviewed with the Argos.

Kelly played in college at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi. He was the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, selected by the Denver Broncos. The team released him in 2018 after he was arrested for trespassing.