Editor’s Note: The following story deals with sexual harassment. If you or someone you know is in need of support, resources for Canadians can be found here.

 

TORONTO — The Canadian Football League says it’s conducting its own investigation into a lawsuit issued by a former Toronto Argonauts strength-and-conditioning coach against the club for wrongful dismissal and quarterback Chad Kelly for alleged violations of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

“​We take the allegations against the Toronto Argonauts and Mr. Kelly very seriously,” the CFL said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. “We have opened an investigation in accordance with the league’s gender-based violence policy.

 “​Out of respect for this process and all the parties involved, we will not be able to provide further comment until our investigation has been completed.”

Later on Wednesday, the Argos said in a statement they will co-operate with the CFL’s investigation.

“The Toronto Argonauts share the CFL’s commitment to providing healthy and positive work environments,” the CFL club said. “The organization will reserve any further comment until the conclusion of the league’s investigation.”

The CFL and Argos statements come a week 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.

She also 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 that didn’t need to be opened.” 

The complainant said she was told Jan. 29 that her contract would not be renewed. She had joined the Argonauts in 2018 and said her contract had previously been continually renewed.

The complainant is seeking $80,000 from Kelly and a total of $85,714 from the Argonauts. The Canadian Press does not publish the names of alleged victims of harassment or sexual assault unless granted permission.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

The Canadian Football League (CFL) is currently investigating allegations made against the Toronto Argonauts and their quarterback, Chad Kelly. The allegations, which have not been specified in detail, have raised concerns within the league and among fans.

Chad Kelly, who is the nephew of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, joined the Argonauts in 2021 after a stint in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. The 27-year-old quarterback was seen as a promising addition to the team, but these allegations have cast a shadow over his tenure with the Argonauts.

The CFL has not released any specific details about the nature of the allegations or who made them. However, the league has stated that they are taking the matter seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the validity of the claims.

The Toronto Argonauts have also released a statement expressing their commitment to cooperating with the CFL’s investigation and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to address the situation appropriately. The team has not made any decisions regarding Kelly’s status with the team at this time.

This is not the first time that the CFL has had to address allegations of misconduct or inappropriate behavior by players. In recent years, the league has taken steps to improve its policies and procedures for handling such situations in order to protect the integrity of the game and ensure the safety and well-being of its players and staff.

As the investigation into the allegations against Chad Kelly and the Toronto Argonauts unfolds, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the CFL handles the situation and what actions, if any, are taken in response to the allegations. In the meantime, it is important for all parties involved to allow the investigation to proceed fairly and impartially in order to reach a resolution that is just and appropriate.