CFL reinstates Kelly with conditions on 'last chance agreement'

The CFL reinstated Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly from his suspension for violating the league's gender-based violence policy, the league announced Sunday.

His reinstatement comes with a "last chance agreement" that requires Kelly meet certain ongoing conditions set out by the league in order to remain eligible. Details of the conditions will remain confidential.

Both the league and team confirmed Kelly completed mandatory psychological assessments and a personal counselling program that were mandated as part of his suspension.

"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 team-issued statement. "I recognize that 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.'"

Kelly met with commissioner Randy Ambrosie this week after serving the ninth game of his suspension. His representatives pushed back at the CFL's desire to include a "last chance agreement," arguing that such a clause went against his rights under the collective bargaining agreement, TSN's Dave Naylor reported Friday.

Kelly was originally suspended for a minimum of nine regular-season games in May after a former Argonauts strength and conditioning coach filed a lawsuit against him in February for alleged violations of the Ontario Human Rights Code. The woman, who also sued the team for wrongful dismissal, said Kelly made unwanted romantic advances while she worked for the team and then used threatening language toward her.

Kelly denied the allegations in a filing of defense, while the Argos claimed to have no knowledge of his behavior. Both he and the team reportedly settled the suits out of court in June.

The Argos confirmed Kelly will rejoin the team for Sunday's practice but haven't announced whether he will play in their next game Thursday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He won't speak to the media directly until Tuesday, according to TSN's Matthew Scianitti.

Kelly was the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in 2023 after leading the Argos to a 16-2 record during the regular season. The 30-year-old signed a three-year extension last fall that made him the league's highest-paid player.

The Argos sit third in the East Division with a 5-4 record through nine games in 2024. Cameron Dukes and Nick Arbuckle split quarterback duties during Kelly's suspension.