The Canadian Football League (CFL) has launched an investigation into Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly.
According to multiple reports north of the border, the former Ole Miss signal caller is the main subject of a lawsuit filed against the Argonauts, claiming Kelly sexually harassed a now-dismissed female strength and conditioning coach.
The former staffer, who has not been named publicly, is arguing that she was wrongfully terminated from her position within the organization after Toronto breached the CFL’s violence against women policy by not submitting a critical incident report to the league office. The plaintiff is seeking $295,603 from the Argonauts and $50,000 from Kelly.
CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie issued the following statement on Wednesday:
“The CFL is committed to creating healthy and positive working and playing environments for all those associated with the league and its member clubs. We take the allegations against the Toronto Argonauts and Mr. Kelly very seriously and we have opened an investigation in accordance with the league’s Gender-based Violence Policy. Out of respect for the process and all parties involved, we will not be able to provide further comment until our investigation has been completed.”
On Friday morning, Kelly weighed in on social media, denying all accusations.
I am shocked by the allegations which have been made against me. I absolutely deny these events and intend to vigorously defend myself and will be seeking the dismissal of the action.
— Chad Kelly (@Chadkelly_6) March 1, 2024
“I am shocked by the allegations which have been made against me,” Kelly wrote on X. “I absolutely deny these events and intend to vigorously defend myself and will be seeking the dismissal of the action.”
Kelly is coming off his best season as a professional, winning the 2023 George Reed Most Outstanding Player Award and earning the largest contract in CFL history. He signed with the Argonauts in 2022 after brief stints with the NFL’s Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts.
