(Toronto) The Canadian Football League has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for a minimum of nine games for violating its gender-based violence policy.
This sanction stems from a lawsuit filed by a former Argos sports therapist against Kelly and the club.
Kelly will have to submit to confidential assessments by an independent expert, and he will have to participate in mandatory therapy sessions, led by an expert in gender-based violence.
These therapy sessions and evaluations must be satisfactorily completed before the CFL will consider reinstatement of Kelly. If the latter is not able to complete this therapy, the LCF reserves the right to modify the sanction imposed on him.
The CFL’s decision to launch the investigation came after a complainant filed a lawsuit in Ontario Superior Court alleging repeated harassment, starting with unsolicited romantic advances. It would then have escalated to threats.
The therapist said Argos did nothing when she told him about Kelly’s behavior. She claims assistant general manager John Murphy told her “she had opened a can of worms that didn’t need to be opened.”
Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said the independent investigation revealed a clear violation of league policy.
“The players are the ambassadors of our sport,” recalled Ambrosie in a press release. They are expected to be leaders within their team and role models within the community. It was important that we do our due diligence to properly analyze this case from all points of view. This rigorous investigation revealed that Mr. Kelly unequivocally violated the CFL’s policy on gender-based violence.
“Mr. Kelly’s suspension is a direct result of his behavior. The addition of mandatory therapy is based on his need for introspection and understanding of his actions. He must take full advantage of this opportunity for personal improvement in order to re-enter the CFL. »
Any additional violations of CFL policy by the 30-year-old footballer will result in additional disciplinary measures.
The facts surrounding the conduct of the Toronto Argonauts in this matter, as established by investigators, will be reviewed with the club.
Kelly played his second season in the CFL, but his first as a starter in 2023. It was successful, as he led the Argos to a historic 16-2 season and first place in the East. The Argos, however, were eliminated in the Eastern Final against the eventual Gray Cup winners, the Montreal Alouettes.
His 270 completed passes for 4,123 yards and 23 touchdowns against 12 interceptions allowed him to be voted MVP of the circuit.