CFL suspends Chad Kelly nine games for violating gender-based violence policy

The CFL has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly a minimum of nine games for violating its policy on gender-based violence.

Kelly has also been suspended for Toronto’s two preseason games for the upcoming 2024 season. He will be required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend mandatory counseling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert, the league announced. The league commissioned an independent third-party investigation to come to the decision.

“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 performed our due diligence to properly review this matter from all points of view. That in-depth investigation found that Mr. Kelly unequivocally violated the CFL’s Gender-based Violence Policy.

“Mr. Kelly’s suspension is the direct result of his behaviour. The addition of mandatory counselling focuses on his need for self-reflection and understanding of his actions. He must take full advantage of this opportunity for personal betterment in order to return to the CFL.”

The suspension stems from allegations made by a female former Argonauts assistant strength coach against Kelly in February. The complainant said the team informed her in January that her contract with the club would not be renewed. She joined the franchise in 2018 and said her contract had previously been continually renewed. She is seeking $80,000 from Kelly, $85,714 from the Argonauts and $10,000 worth of punitive damages, per Sportsnet.

Chad Kelly coming off MVP season in CFL

Kelly, 30, was named CFL Most Outstanding Player this past season after leading Toronto to a league-best 16-2 record. He finished the season throwing for 4,123 yards, 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 68.5% passing. Kelly was thrust into action after an injury to starting quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson during the 2022 Grey Cup, leading Toronto to its record 18th championship. He signed a three-year, $1.865 million deal with the Argonauts this past summer, becoming the CFL’s highest-paid player.

Kelly, “Mr. Irrelevant” of the 2017 NFL Draft, signed with the Argonauts in 2022. Prior to his CFL career, he had stints with the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts. He played in 22 games over two seasons at Ole Miss, famously leading the Rebels to a 43-37 road victory over No. 2 Alabama in 2015.