Argos’ QB Chad Kelly taking time away to ‘learn and grow,’ looks forward to getting back on field
Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly, the CFL’s most outstanding player this past season, is stepping away from football — at least for a little while.
The former Ole Miss QB announced Thursday he would be withdrawing from the Argos’ training camp. While away from the game, Kelly says he hopes to “learn, grow and better myself” through counseling after being suspended by the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Kelly led Toronto to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record last season.
The CFL suspended Kelly for at least nine regular-season games earlier this month following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former Toronto strength and conditioning coach against both Kelly and the team.
“I have had to take time to process the findings from the CFL investigation released last week as they were not consistent with the person I am, nor the team and community leader I strive to be.”
Chad Kelly in a statement on his withdrawal
Kelly, who started two seasons for Ole Miss (2015 and 2016) was also suspended for two preseason games after the league said he violated its gender-based violence policy. According to the suspension, the 30-year-old Kelly must undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend mandatory counseling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert.
“I want to be the leader who brings people together and I strongly believe that all workplaces should be safe and healthy for every member of the team,” Kelly said in his statement Thursday.
Kelly, who must fulfill all the requirements before he can reapply for reinstatement with the league, said he will be supporting his team.
“I want to support the Argonauts organization as it prepares for the season and have made the decision to withdraw from training camp to minimize distractions for the team and to put in the work to earn both reinstatement in the CFL and everyone’s trust. I look forward to getting back on the field soon.”
Chad Kelly
In two seasons in Oxford, Kelly completed 64 percent of his passes for 8,600 yards and 50 touchdowns. He also rushed for 841 yards and 15 more TDs.
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
