Chad Kelly made a much-anticipated return to the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday, marking his comeback after a suspension prompted by a violation of the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) gender-based violence policy. The quarterback had been absent since May 7, missing two exhibition games and the first nine regular-season contests during his suspension. The CFL's decision followed an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment brought forth by a former strength-and-conditioning coach and subsequent wrongful dismissal claims against the Argonauts.
The lawsuit was eventually settled through mediation in June, paving the way for Kelly's possible return, contingent on several conditions. These included undergoing confidential assessments by an independent expert and attending specialized counseling with a gender-based violence expert. After Kelly satisfactorily completed these requirements, the CFL received his psychological assessment and reviewed it with assistance from independent experts. A crucial conversation with CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie finalized his reinstatement.
Return to Practice
Sunday's practice witnessed Kelly taking about 70% of the starting offense snaps, an indication of his potential capability to regain his role in the team swiftly. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie expressed optimism about Kelly's reintegration but also pointed out the need for caution, stating, "It was good to have him back. His teammates were excited to see him back in the building."
Kelly's return comes at a critical juncture for Toronto, who are set to host Saskatchewan on Thursday night. Both teams hold similar records, with Toronto at 5-4 and Saskatchewan at 5-4-1. Despite the high stakes, Dinwiddie remains cautious about Kelly immediately jumping into a starting role due to his limited practice time and extended absence from training camp. The plan may involve splitting reps among Kelly, Cameron Dukes, and veteran Nick Arbuckle.
Commitment to Improvement
In a statement following his reinstatement, Kelly expressed remorse and emphasized his commitment to bettering himself: "I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts, and the CFL. I recognize that this is just one step in the process of bettering myself, but it is an important one, and I am committed to doing what is needed to be a better teammate, colleague, and person."
The sentiments were echoed by Argonauts General Manager Mike Clemons, who noted the broader significance of Kelly's return for both the player and the team culture. "This is an important step for Chad, who has taken full accountability for his actions and represents just the beginning of his ongoing commitment to bettering himself and learning from this experience. There continues to be much work to do to strengthen our team culture, and we are all committed with Chad's return, to work on this together, as a team."
A Storied Journey
Kelly’s journey back to the field is the latest chapter in a career filled with both promise and pitfalls. Before his recent troubles, he led the Argonauts to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record last season. However, their championship dreams were dashed with a decisive 38-17 home loss to the Montreal Alouettes in the East Division final. His football odyssey also includes stints at Clemson, East Mississippi Community College, and the University of Mississippi during his college years. Drafted as the last pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, Kelly's tenure there was cut short following an arrest for criminal trespassing in 2018.
Now back on the field, Kelly aims to navigate a path to redemption. His actions and attitude over the coming weeks and months will not only determine his role with the Argonauts but also serve as a crucial test of personal and professional growth.
As the Argonauts prepare to face Saskatchewan, the team hopes that Kelly's return can bolster their performance and provide a boost in morale. For now, the focus remains on gradual reintegration and ensuring that all players, including Kelly, align with the values and standards the team upholds. The road ahead may be challenging, but with Kelly's dedication to improvement and accountability, the Argonauts remain optimistic about a positive outcome.