Infamous ex-NFL quarterback suspended by CFL

Nov 3, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Chad Kelly (6) warms up before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL quarterback Chad Kelly had an outstanding season in the Canadian Football League last year, but he is not going to have a chance to replicate the success in 2024.

The CFL announced in a press release on Tuesday that Kelly has been suspended for a minimum of nine games for violating the league’s gender-based violence policy.

As Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk notes, the suspension stems from a complaint that was filed by a woman who used to work for the Toronto Argonauts as an assistant strength coach. The woman accused Kelly of making romantic advances toward her and using threatening language when she was not receptive.

The CFL investigated the allegations and determined that a minimum nine-game suspension was warranted. The league did not reveal details of what was uncovered in the investigation. Kelly will have to go through a counseling program before he can apply for reinstatement.

Kelly, the nephew of Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly, signed a record contract with the Argonauts last fall amid an excellent stretch of play. He led Toronto to a 15-1 record in the regular season and threw for 4,123 yards, 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Kelly was infamously dismissed from Clemson for a myriad of reasons, one being his fender-bender incident with a former beauty queen. He then played well after transferring to Ole Miss, but he continued to have off-field issues.

The 29-year-old Kelly was taken by the Denver Broncos with the final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was unable to stay out of trouble in the NFL and did not have a long career.