The Toronto Argonauts have made a revision: quarterback Chad Kelly has not been moved to the team’s suspended list, but he remains away from the team.
This reiterates the statement made by the Argos that Kelly “is currently not participating in team activities” and isn’t physically present at its facilities.
Kelly attended at least one of the team’s rookie camp practices, which prompted criticism from multiple female employees in the league. Under CFL rules, it is up to the discretion of the team whether or not a suspended player is present at practice.
The league’s reigning Most Outstanding Player was recently suspended for a minimum of nine games after an independent investigation found “unequivocal evidence” he broke the CFL’s gender-based violence policy. According to an executive summary, Kelly made persistent advances on Toronto’s former strength and conditioning coach, acted aggressively toward her, and yelled derogatory remarks at her.
The investigation was commissioned after the subject of the alleged harassment filed a lawsuit against Kelly and the Argonauts in February. None of the allegations have been tested or proven in court.
The 30-year-old will have to attend mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert and undergo assessments by an independent expert to be reinstated by the league. If he doesn’t complete the sessions and assessments to the league’s satisfaction, discipline against him could be modified.
Toronto has also made several cuts to help the team get down to 75 players plus non-counters, including American receivers Rajae Johnson and Zach Peterson, American defensive lineman Tyler Williams, American defensive backs Latavious Brini and Jordan Jones, and Canadian defensive backs Josh Hagerty and Daniel Valente.
Canadian defensive back Jamie Harry was moved to the injured list, while American running back Deandre Torrey was suspended.
The Argonauts open the 2024 regular season on Sunday, June 9 hosting the B.C. Lions at BMO Field.
