Reigning CFL Most Outstanding Player Chad Kelly will make his season debut on Thursday when the Toronto Argonauts host the skidding Saskatchewan Roughriders. The league suspended the quarterback for a minimum of nine regular-season games on May 7 after an investigation into allegations he had violated "gender-based violence" rules.
Kelly, 30, was reinstated by the CFL on Sunday, and two days later he apologized for his actions. Argonauts coach Ryan Dinwiddie announced Tuesday that Kelly would be under center against the Roughriders despite participating in only three practices.
"I wanted to see (him Tuesday) and, about halfway through practice, I had my mind made up," Dinwiddie said, per the Toronto Star.
Kelly guided the Argonauts to the Grey Cup title in 2022 and a 16-2 record last season before tossing four interceptions in the East final. The nephew of former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly takes over a team that is 5-4 overall and 4-1 at home in 2024.
Toronto improved upon both totals with a 39-25 victory over the visiting Calgary Stampeders on Aug. 9 before going into a bye week.
While the Argonauts hope they are on the ascent, the West-leading Roughriders (5-4-1) are mired in a 0-3-1 skid. Two losses to the Montreal Alouettes line that stretch, including a 27-24 decision last Friday when kicker Brett Lauther misfired on four of his seven field-goal attempts.
"Obviously, a tough one. Single-handedly losing that one for the guys was tough. A lot of people are working hard in this organization -- not only the players and the coaches, but the fans and the people coming out. Going out and doing that, it's unacceptable," Lauther said
Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris headlined the CFL's Honor Roll on Tuesday after completing 31 of 39 pass attempts for 355 yards and two touchdowns. He was making the start after sustaining a knee injury on June 23.
Chad Kelly’s Apology and Reintegration
Kelly’s reinstatement came after a series of steps and a period of reflection. He had to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert. The CFL said Sunday the conditions are confidential and won’t be disclosed.
Kelly’s apology came two days after he was reinstated, with conditions, by the CFL. The league suspended Kelly on May 7 for Toronto’s two exhibition games and at least its first nine regular-season contests for his violation.
"I’m sorry for my actions, I’m sorry for what I did," Kelly told the assembled media — which included nine television cameras — following Toronto’s practice at Lamport Stadium. "I affected a lot of people — my teammates, my coaches, women, my family — I feel bad for the situation that happened.
"I’ve grown, I’ve learned from not only the past couple of months but every day I’m trying to get better, be a better person, better teammate, better male. I just want everybody to know I’m sorry and I will be better and be a better teammate and person from this."
Initially, Kelly publicly denied the harassment allegations and said he intended to defend himself and seek a dismissal. The CFL’s outstanding player last season said time to reflect made him realize the impact of his actions.
"I’d say that over the course of these months you come to realize what actually had been done and been affected," he said. "This person (complainant), obviously, deserves all of the respect, no matter what gender you are.
"Everybody puts in a lot of work and time into perfecting their craft and no one should have to go through the heartache and the mental side of things people have to go through being affected by this … I’m focused on being with my teammates and try to share knowledge of what’s right from wrong."
Kelly wouldn’t say if he has reached out to the complainant and apologized personally.
Kelly’s Road to Redemption: Rebuilding Trust and Moving Forward
Kelly is determined to rebuild trust and make amends for his actions. He plans to resume doing community work and reconnect with the Argos’ younger fans as well as their female supporters.
"It’s just getting back to being able to be comfortable and letting everyone else be comfortable around me because I have affected a lot of people, not just the person," Kelly said. "I know it’s going to take time, I know it’s going to take a lot of effort but I’m here for it.
"I’m facing it head on. I need to do better and I will do better."
The Roughriders’ Struggle and Lauther’s Misfires
Running back A.J. Ouellette returned from a three-game absence versus the Stampeders but has been ruled out for Thursday's game due to a hip injury. Frankie Hickson is expected to draw the start against the Argonauts.
Saskatchewan posted a 30-23 win over Toronto on July 4.
--Field Level Media
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