CFL commissioner defends investigation process into allegations made against Argos, Chad Kelly

CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie is defending his organization's approach to handling an investigation into allegations against the Toronto Argonauts and quarterback Chad Kelly.

The investigation comes after a lawsuit from a former Argonauts strength-and-conditioning coach was launched against the club for wrongful dismissal and Kelly for alleged violations of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Ambrosie laid out a timeline for reporters Thursday about the league's investigation into the allegations.

"On Thursday last week we were advised by the Argos that a complaint had been registered. Thursday afternoon and into the evening, work was done by my staff to understand the background behind the complaint. By the time I went home for the evening I had authorized an investigation," Ambrosie said.

He added that a process plan was created Friday, with an independent investigator was hired by the league, with the Argos and the CFL Players Association notified.

On Monday, the parties were formally notified, written notification went out on Tuesday and the league made a public announcement on Wednesday.

Ambrosie said it was too soon to pass judgment or speculate on any sort of punishment.

"I'm not going to speculate on what the outcome of this could be. It's not fair to the process, it's not fair to the investigation, you have to let those things happen first," he said.

The complainant in the lawsuit filed a statement of claim with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice last week, alleging a pattern of harassment by Kelly, beginning with unwanted romantic advances and escalating into instances of threatening language.

She also said the Argos did not act when told of Kelly's behaviour and claims assistant general manager John Murphy