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TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays say a series of anti-Muslim videos posted by Anthony Santander on the right-fielder’s social media account do not represent the team’s values and beliefs.
The team issued the statement after Santander posted the videos in the aftermath of the U.S. midterm elections. He deleted them on Thursday.
The videos included a Christian preacher saying, “There is no such thing as kind Muslims,” with another suggesting Sharia law would be imposed on the U.S. after Abdul El-Sayed was elected to the senate in Michigan.
El-Sayed is the son of Egyptian immigrants and will become the first Muslim American U.S. senator. He was the target of Islamophobic rhetoric on the campaign trail, and often mocked his critics on the right while championing the Palestinian cause and leaning into his faith and heritage.
“Baseball is for everyone, and the Blue Jays have created an inclusive experience where all fans feel welcome at our ballpark,” the team said. “Individual comments do not represent our organization’s values and beliefs.”
The 32-year-old Santander is from Venezuela and missed the entire year after having shoulder surgery following his first season in Toronto. He spent his first eight major league seasons with Baltimore before signing a five-year, $92.5 million contract with Toronto.
It’s not the first time the Blue Jays have faced controversy over a player’s social media activity.
In May 2023, Blue Jays reliever Anthony Bass faced criticism after sharing a video supporting boycotts of companies that backed the LGBTQ+ community. Bass apologized and met with Pride Toronto representatives, but later said he stood by his personal beliefs.
The Blue Jays designated Bass for assignment on June 9, less than two weeks after the original post and hours before the start of the team’s Pride Weekend. He was released six days later.
General manager Ross Atkins cited Bass’s performance as the main reason for the move, but acknowledged the controversy was a factor.
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With files from the Canadian Press
See AP’s full MLB coverage here
The Associated Press
