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Canadian Football League QB Chad Kelly had some interesting thoughts about No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark’s first WNBA contract. In voicing those feelings, he inadvertently (or maybe purposely!) took a shot at his own league.
Kelly has had an interesting football path. The nephew of Buffalo Bills great Jim Kelly, he was a top high school recruit coming out of upstate New York.
The four-star passer signed up to play for Dabo Swinney and Clemson, but off-the-field troubles led to his dismissal from the program.
He’d later land at East Mississippi CC before suiting up for Ole Miss.
Under Hugh Freeze, he’d shine with a stellar 2015 campaign in which the Rebs took down five of the six ranked foes they faced including No. 2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
An injury in 2016 forced him to the sidelines during his final season, but he’d later get a shot in the NFL with the Broncos and Colts. Again, off-the-field issues stunted his career growth and he eventually landed in the CFL.
Production has outweighed concerns during his time with the Argonauts as he’s become the highest paid player in the CFL. He recently signed an extension worth $1.865M.
That number compares favorably to what the signal caller earned in the NFL. He landed a four-year deal worth $2.4M in Denver before signing a two-year contract worth $1.2M in Indianapolis.
Still, he decided to take a shot at the league that’s made him a top priority.
Chad Kelly used Caitlin Clark’s WNBA contract to shade the CFL.
Clark was picked No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever on Monday night after breaking the NCAA scoring mark during a four-year career at Iowa. Along with that selection came a four-year deal valued at $338K.
https://t.co/hqF3Oq155B pic.twitter.com/Q5cmWaMz9c
— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 15, 2024
Kelly laughed at the number, which he considers low, while throwing his current league under the bus, too!
“This that CFL money,” he posted on his X timeline.
Many were quick to criticize in the comments section.
“Let’s not call out the league that gave you a second chance.”
“This is an Ambassador of the CFL?”
“Bad enough that this guy is making our league look terrible with alleged misbehavior. Now he’s belittling women’s sports and his CFL brethren at the same time.”
Clark’s WNBA salary won’t include the beaucoup of money she’ll make in endorsements, one of which she already flashed on draft night with an all-Prada ensemble.
Chad Kelly, meanwhile, finds himself in more hot water, entangled in harassment allegations made by a former Argonauts staff member. The team has not released him from the roster, suggesting they’re backing him in this legal battle.
Still, it’s probably not the best time to be taking shots at women’s sports.