The CFL has suspended Toronto Argonauts starting quarterback Chad Kelly for nine games for breaking the league’s gender-based violence policy.
The CFL has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games for breaking the league’s Gender-based Violence Policy. Kelly will also be unable to play in preseason games due to his suspension.
According to a statement on the afternoon of May 7th Kelly is expected to undergo “confidential assessment by an independent expert and attend mandatory counseling conducted by a gender-based violence expert” in order to become eligible for re-entry into the league.
If Kelly is unable to do these in a suitable manner, the league reserves the right to “modify” his suspension. The league’s decision comes following a thorough third-party review into claims made against Kelly earlier this year.
“Players are ambassadors of our great game,” CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie stated in the release. “They are expected to be locker-room leaders as well as community role models. It was critical that we did our due diligence to thoroughly analyze this matter from all perspectives. Mr. Kelly clearly violated the CFL’s Gender-based Violence Policy, according to the results of an extensive inquiry.
“Mr. Kelly’s suspension is direct result of his actions. The provision of mandatory counselling emphasizes his need for self-reflection and understanding of his conduct. He must seize this opportunity for personal growth in order to return to the CFL.”
Reigning MOP
Kelly, the 2023 Most Outstanding Player, has been in the league since 2022, when he led the Argonauts to a Grey Cup comeback victory over the Blue Bombers. He has since become the Argonauts’ starting quarterback. His new three-year contract is worth $1.8 million, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
The Lawsuit
After multiple instances involving Kelly and the former coach were mostly overlooked by higher-level Argonauts officials, a lawsuit was filed against Kelly for his acts and the Argonauts organization for their failure to respond. The case, filed in February, seeks $50,000 from Kelly for violations of the Ontario Human Rights Code, as well as a combined lawsuit against Kelly and the Argonauts for $85,714 for wrongful termination.
Leave a Reply