The Canadian Football League announced Sunday that following a 9 game suspension and and internal review, that the league would be reinstating Toronto Argonauts QB Chad Kelly. The league posted a statement on their website announcing that Kelly would need to meet a number of ongoing conditions for reinstatement, but that those conditions were being kept confidential.
“The Canadian Football League has reinstated Toronto Argonauts’ quarterback Chad Kelly on a last chance agreement provided that he continues to meet a number of ongoing conditions,” the statement read.
“On May 7, the CFL levied a suspension for a minimum of nine games against Mr. Kelly, based on the findings of a thorough third-party investigation into allegations made against him. Over the course of his suspension, Mr. Kelly was required to attend psychological assessments and mandatory counselling sessions conducted by an independent expert in the field of gender-based violence. Mr. Kelly served the ninth game of his suspension on August 9.”
“The CFL received Mr. Kelly’s final assessment on August 10, and the league immediately began a thorough review process of its findings. The CFL sought guidance from an expert who specializes in gender-based violence and met with the psychologist and counsellor who worked with Mr. Kelly. He then took part in an in-person discussion with Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.”
“The ongoing mandatory conditions surrounding Mr. Kelly’s reinstatement reflect the need for him to demonstrate a continued commitment to upholding league standards. These conditions are confidential and will not be disclosed.”
Following that announcement, the Argos took to social media to announce that Kelly would immediately rejoin the team at practice on Sunday August 18th.
The 30 year old signal caller sat out the entirety of the preseason and the first half of the CFL schedule, making Sunday the first step in his process to rejoin his team on the field. During that time Toronto went 5-4, including posting a 4-1 record at home, and currently sit 3rd in the East Division behind Ottawa and Montreal.
While Kelly was away, 26 year old QB Cameron Dukes received his first extended look as a CFL starter, completing 137 out of 190 passes for 1,398 yards, 7 TDs and 6 INTs. Dukes also added 3 TDs on the ground on 49 carries through the first half of the season.
Veteran QB Nick Arbuckle also saw some playing time in the Argos’ patchwork offence, throwing for 421 yards through the air with 2 TDs and 2 INTs.
“I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts and the CFL,” Kelly said in a statement.
“I recognize 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. With that commitment in mind, I have accepted the league’s conditions of reinstatement, including its last chance agreement.”
With the team set to take on Saskatchewan in a 7:30pm ET showdown on Thursday August 22nd, the expectation around the league is that Kelly could very well be under centre come kickoff. While the club could always opt to provide a longer runway for the former Most Outstanding Player, many believe that Toronto will trust Kelly to be ready for live action with a few practices this week.
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