Baseball star removed from roster after defending anti-LGBTQ+ social media posts

09 June 2023 , 20:13

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Anthony Bass has been dropped by the Toronto Blue Jays (Image: Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

Anthony Bass has been demoted from the Toronto Blue Jays roster after standing by his personal beliefs on anti-LGBTQ+.

The pitcher apologised after sharing a video to his Instagram story which called for people to boycott both Target and Bud Light due to their recent backing of LGBTQ+ Pride campaigns. Bass apologised for upsetting fans and deleted the post from his social media, but continued to stand by his views.

The Jays face Minnesota Twins on Friday to begin a triple-header against the MLB team, but Bass has been removed from the roster from the first game. Bass was also scheduled to catch a ceremonial first pitch on Friday night to begin Pride celebrations, but whether it'll continue to go ahead is unknown.

The Jays are celebrating Pride along with the city of Toronto, with thousands attending Rogers Centre on Friday as part of the weekend fun. The Jays are offering Blue Jays Rainbow Flag Jerseys to fans who attend on Friday, but have been left in a tough spot due to Bass' actions.

Bass has already been booed by his home fans at Rogers Centre after initially posting the anti-LGBTQ+ story, and the Jays have decided he won't play on Friday. "I recognise I made a post that was hurtful to the Pride community, which includes friends of mine and close family members of mine," Bass said after removing his initial post. "I am truly sorry for that."

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But then Bass claimed his apologies were only for upsetting people rather than feeling any different about the cause. "I totally get that (people were upset)," Bass told ESPN.

Bass said he's only sorry that people were upset with his views (AP)

"I just want them to know that I'm working hard on myself, a lot of self-reflection. I do not (think it was hateful). That's why I posted it originally. When I look back at it, I can see how people would view it that way and that's why I was apologetic.

"But I stand by my personal beliefs and everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs, right? Also, I mean no harm towards any groups of people. My focus from the get-go should have been doing my job and being accepting of everyone's decisions and views in life.

"Through this process, I've learned that. Moving forward, I will definitely know better than to post my personal beliefs on my social media platforms."

Bass will be careful about what he posts moving forward

Jays general manager Ross Atkins, who pushed for the organisation to be more inclusive moving forward, responded to Bass's apology. "I felt his apology and his accountability to be authentic or we would be talking about a different outcome, quite frankly,″ Atkins said.

"That was absolutely necessary for us to be together with how strongly we feel about the progress that has been made by the Toronto Blue Jays in this community. It needs to continue. I don't think you can ever do enough. We'll stay true to that commitment to make this environment as inclusive as we possibly can."

Joseph McBride