Toronto Argonauts’ quarterback Chad Kelly stuck to his public relations script while addressing the media for the first time since being reinstated from his nine-game suspension.
The largest media contingent in recent memory for an Argos practice was at Lamport Stadium to hear from Kelly.
“I’m sorry for my actions, I’m sorry for what I did. I affected a lot of people, my teammates, my coaches, women, family — I feel bad for the situation that happened. Every day I’m trying to get better, be a better person, better teammate, better male. I have to own up to my mistakes,” Kelly said. “I know what I did wrong and I’ve learned from it. I’ve done more than what has been asked of me. I’m never going to do something like this again. I know I’ve affected a lot of people, including the person.”
In February, a former team employee filed a lawsuit with the Ontario Superior Court alleging Kelly “repeatedly sought to initiate romantic connections” with her throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons. That case was later settled out of court to the satisfaction of both parties. The six-foot-two, 216-pound QB stated “I will not speak on that” when asked if he’s apologized to the plaintiff.
“Over the course of these months, you come to realize what actually had been done and been affected. This person deserves all the respect, no matter what gender you are. Everybody puts in a lot of working time into their craft and no one should have to go through the heartache and the mental side of things that people have to go through being affected by this,” Kelly said.
“I’m going to do better. I’m focused on being with my teammates and trying to share knowledge of what’s right from wrong — I know what’s right from wrong. I know what policies have been put in place before all this, and now, even more so after. I’m trying to be a better role model and I come out here owning up to everything that has happened and I’m trying to move forward and be a better person.”
The CFL commissioned an independent investigation which corroborated three of six claims made against Kelly, including “sexual harassment as defined by the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.” That resulted in an unprecedented half-season suspension for violating the three-down league’s gender-based violence policy.
“That’s why me and the commissioner talked, he believed in me and I believe in him wanting to help me. I’m going to help him rebuild myself and the CFL. You can believe me or not but I’m a truthful guy. I think that I’m genuine and I’m sincere,” Kelly said.
“Sitting at home watching your team out here not being able to participate in something that you love doing, it affects you mentally. I’ve lost teammates, I’ve lost family members, I’ve lost coaches, friends and people out in the world — everybody’s open to their own opinion. I’m here to be honest and be truthful about everything that has happened.”
The CFL reinstated Kelly on Sunday, August 18 after he completed the terms of his suspension, which included mandatory counselling and an independent psychological evaluation by a gender-based violence expert. He is on a last-chance agreement and must meet certain unspecified ongoing conditions to remain employed, though Kelly declined to provide details when asked.
“I know what I need to do and what’s at stake every day. I’m thankful I have a good group of people around me. I’m going to strive to do exactly what is needed to be done to make sure that I’m staying on the football field, to be a better person. There’s always more work to be done, this isn’t over and done with, there’s still more work that has to get done,” Kelly said.
“I wasn’t forced to do anything. The league mandates what they want but it was stuff that, talking to MLSE and my coaches, needed to get done, they thought would be a good idea, which I definitely agree. There’s more work always to be done. I look forward to getting back out in the community and making an impact, not only with kids but women as well.”
Kelly signed with the Argos for the 2022 season and came off the bench to lead the team to victory in the 109th Grey Cup. He took over the starting job last year and posted a 15-1 win-loss record while throwing for 4,123 yards with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions plus carrying the ball 41 times for 248 yards and eight touchdowns en route to being named the league’s Most Outstanding Player.
“I’m always trying to do little things for kids that look up to me. I was always one of those little kids who looked up to professional sports people. 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, I will do better and I know this mistake isn’t going to happen again,” Kelly said.
“Everybody goes through ups and downs, not only just this, but in general, mentally. It was very tough not to be out here. This is what I put my time, effort, blood, sweat and tears into — not taking anything away from the person affected by this. It’s about getting back to being able to be comfortable and letting everybody else be comfortable around me.”
The 30-year-old last saw the field on November 11, 2023 — the same week several key allegations were alleged to have taken place. Kelly threw four interceptions and fumbled once in a stunning upset loss to the Montreal Alouettes in the East Final, later claiming he suffered a concussion during the game.
“Don’t put anybody down — no one has more power than anybody else. I think it’s about understanding what your role is, understanding how you need to treat everybody. My father always says, ‘Treat everybody with the respect that you want.’ Some of the things that you hear throughout a locker room and out in the field might not be correct, but if you can help the next person, that’s what it’s all about,” Kelly said.
Backup quarterbacks Cameron Dukes and Nick Arbuckle helped guide Toronto to a 5-4 start with Kelly serving his suspension. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie named No. 12 his starter at QB for the Argos’ Week 12 game against Saskatchewan.
“I’d like [the fans] to know Chad’s sincerely apologizing,” Dinwiddie said. “He’s going through the process of getting better and learning from this mistake. Chad’s learning from it and he’s continuing to grow.”
Kelly restructured his three-year contract in January, giving him $583,000 in hard money for the 2024 season while cashing a $300,000 signing bonus in the process. His agreement included $144,200 in base salary, which would mean he lost at least half — $72,100 — during his suspension and possibly more from training, housing and travel compensation.
The Double Blue host the Riders at BMO Field on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. ET.
