Ottawa Redblacks’ strong-side linebacker Adarius Pickett took some shots at his former quarterback and head coach after blowing out the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.
In an interview with TSN‘s Claire Hanna that he later posted on his personal X account, the 28-year-old said controversial QB Chad Kelly’s performance in the 41-27 loss bore striking similarities to his infamous 2023 East Final collapse.
“We came out, we started early. I hit Chad in the backfield, it looked like he was seeing ghosts from there. He looked just like he did in the East Final game, you know what I’m saying?” Pickett remarked. “We came out and had a hell of a week of practice. Defence played good, offence played good. Janarion Grant, we held him down, he didn’t return nothing big. We came out ready to play today.”
Kelly completed 36-of-56 passes for 463 yards and three touchdowns against Ottawa but also threw four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns by Damon Webb. As a result of those mistakes, the Argos trailed 31-3 at the half and were unable to stage a complete comeback, dropping to 1-2 since their quarterback’s return from a nine-game suspension for violating the CFL’s gender-based violence policy.
The 30-year-old signal caller was named the league’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023 after leading Toronto to a historic 16-2 record but imploded in a 38-17 loss to the underdog Alouettes in the East Final. He threw for just 246 yards and a touchdown, while committing four interceptions, losing a fumble, and getting stuffed short on a QB sneak for a turnover on downs.
Kelly later claimed that he suffered a concussion early in that game, though it was never confirmed by team medical personnel. Several key allegations in the lawsuit that led to his suspension took place in the week leading up to that playoff loss.
The East Final also marked Pickett’s last game as a member of the Argonauts, as he earned CFL all-star honours after amassing 105 defensive tackles, 19 special teams tackles, six sacks and a forced fumble in his lone season with the team. He signed with the Redblacks in free agency and blames head coach Ryan Dinwiddie for his departure, as he was seen chirping at the Toronto sideline throughout their reunion.
“We don’t tolerate no disrespect from nobody. At the end of the day, there’s love for my teammates over there but he know. I ain’t get one phone call in the whole offseason from him and that’s why I left at the end of the day,” Pickett explained. “Love Coach Bob Dyce, love Coach B. Miles, man. We holding it down over here right now.”
Pickett is well on his way to another all-star campaign in Ottawa, having amassed 52 defensive tackles, 14 special teams tackles, a sack, an interception, and a forced fumble. With Saturday’s win, the Redblacks are now five points up on his former team for second place in the East Division.
The Ottawa Redblacks (8-3-1) will return to action on Saturday, September 14 when they visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-9) at 3:00 p.m. EDT.
