Chad Kelly, a former Denver Broncos draft pick and quarterback for Ole Miss, has been handed a suspension of at least nine games by the Canadian Football League (CFL) due to a violation of its gender-based violence policy.
This action follows allegations of harassment and the creation of a toxic work environment made by a former assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Toronto Argonauts, who filed a lawsuit earlier this year.
The CFL stated that Kelly must undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and participate in mandatory counseling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert before being eligible to return to the league.
CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie emphasized the expectation for players to be leaders in the locker room and role models in the community and the necessity for a thorough investigation that found Kelly in clear violation of the league’s policy.
The allegations against Kelly include repeated attempts to initiate romantic connections with the assistant coach despite her polite refusals, escalating to public accusations, and aggressive behavior when confronted.
The situation reached a point where the coach felt threatened, and her contract with the Argonauts was not renewed. She asserts in her lawsuit that both Kelly and the team violated Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
Kelly’s football career has been marked by both successes and controversies. After a college career split between Clemson and Ole Miss, he entered the NFL as the final pick in the 2017 draft by the Denver Broncos.
However, his time with the Broncos ended in 2018 following legal issues, including an arrest on a criminal trespass charge. Despite a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, Kelly’s return to professional football came through the CFL, where he was named MVP in 2023 before facing suspension due to the recent allegations.
As Kelly navigates this suspension and the repercussions of the allegations, his career trajectory raises questions about the responsibilities of professional athletes both on and off the field.
The CFL’s decision to suspend Kelly reflects a commitment to upholding policies against gender-based violence and maintaining standards of behavior among its players, highlighting the broader conversation around accountability and conduct in sports.
