Suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly says he is withdrawing from training camp.
In a statement sent to Sportsnet on Thursday, the quarterback says his legal team will continue to explore options to consider next steps.
Last week, the CFL banned Kelly from playing in Toronto’s two pre-season games and at least its first nine regular-season games for violating its gender-based violence policy.
On Wednesday, the Argos announced they were placing Kelly on the suspended list, only to retract the statement hours later while saying he “remains away from the team.
“I have had to take time to process the findings from the CFL investigation released last week as they were not consistent with the person I am, nor the team and community leader I strive to be,” Kelly said in the statement sent to Sportsnet.
“I want to be the leader who brings people together, and I strongly believe that all workplaces should be safe and healthy for every member of the team. While my legal team awaits the legal findings for review, and explores options to clarify a number of the conclusions from the report, and considers next steps, I will take full advantage of this counselling opportunity to learn, grow and better myself. At the same time, I want to support the Argonauts organization as it prepares for the season and have made the decision to withdraw from training camp to minimize distractions for the team and to put in the work to earn both reinstatement in the CFL and everyone’s trust. I look forward to getting back on the field soon.”
Kelly was on the field in Guelph, Ont., at rookie camp May 9, but not in equipment, two days after the CFL announced the suspension.
Three days later, on the first day of main training camp, the Argos announced Kelly was not participating in team activities.
The CFL investigation on Kelly came after a former coach filed a statement of claim with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in February, alleging a pattern of harassment by the quarterback, beginning with unwanted romantic advances and escalating into instances of threatening language.
The former coach said the Argos didn’t act when told of Kelly’s behaviour and claims assistant GM John Murphy said she “opened a can of worms that didn’t need to be opened.” None of the claims have been proven in court.
Kelly was the CFL’s outstanding player last season after leading Toronto to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 mark. But the Argos’ campaign ended with a 38-17 loss to the Montreal Alouettes in the East Division final.
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