Argos QB Chad Kelly suspended for violating CFL gender-based violence policy

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly will be off the field for at least nine games.

Kelly was suspended on Tuesday by the Canadian Football League for violating its policy on gender-based violence. He’ll miss the preseason, the league said, and “a minimum of nine further games.”

Before he can return to the field, Kelly will be required to undergo “confidential assessments” by an independent expert and will need to addend counselling sessions with a gender-based violence expert.

The league said the decision follows “a thorough third-party investigation into allegations made against Mr. Kelly,” and any future violations of the policy will result in additional discipline.

According to 3DownNation, the allegations were made by a former strength and conditioning coach for the Argonauts.

Kelly received the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player Award at the end of the 2023 season, which saw him pass for 4,123 yards over 18 games.

Randy Ambrosie, the CFL’s commissioner, said players are ambassadors for the game and are expected to act as leaders and role models in the locker room and in the community.

The CFL has announced the following statement regarding Chad Kelly. pic.twitter.com/Fv3h1D9sgY

— CFL Communications (@CFL_PR) May 7, 2024

“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,” Ambrosie said in a statement.

“Mr. Kelly’s suspension is the direct result of his behavior. 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 league further noted that “the facts surrounding the Toronto Argonauts’ conduct in this matter, as laid out by the investigators, will be reviewed with the Club.”