CFL suspends Argos star QB Kelly for violating league's gender-based violence policy

The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.

According to the CFL, Kelly is also suspended for Toronto's two pre-season games for violating its gender-based violence policy. Kelly must undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert.

Both the counselling sessions and assessments must be satisfactorily completed before the CFL will consider Kelly's reinstatement, the league added in a statement. Otherwise, it reserves the right to modify his discipline.

Kelly, 30, was the CFL's outstanding player last season after leading Toronto to a league-best and franchise-record 16-2 record. But the Argos' season ended with a 38-17 home loss to eventual Grey Cup-champion Montreal in the East Division final.

There was no announcement regarding any penalties or sanctions against the Argos. But the league added the club's conduct in this matter, as laid out by the investigators, will be reviewed with the club.

Kelly wasn't immediately available for comment. Neither the Argos nor the CFL Players' Association offered responses either.

The CFL's decision to launch its investigation came after the complainant filed a statement of claim with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, alleging a pattern of harassment by Kelly, beginning with unwanted romantic advances and escalating into instances of threatening language.

The coach said the Argos did not act when told of Kelly's behaviour and claims assistant general manager John Murphy said she "opened a can of worms