TORONTO — Blue Jays reliever Anthony Bass has publicly apologized a day after sharing an anti-LGBTQ+ post on social media.
On Monday, Bass shared a post from Ryan Miller, who runs the “dudewithgoodnews” Instagram account, that cited biblical verses as a reason to boycott Target and Bud Light for their recent support of LGBTQ+ initiatives and the community.
Bass made a statement at the Rogers Center before Tuesday’s game but did not answer any questions from the assembled media.
“I realize yesterday that I made a post harmful to the Pride community, which includes friends and close family of mine and I am truly sorry for that. I just spoke to my teammates to share my actions yesterday and apologize to them. As of now, I am using the Blue Jays resources to better educate myself to make better decisions to move on.
“The stadium is for everyone. We include all the fans in the stadium. We want to welcome everyone.”
According to Blue Jays manager John Schneider, Bass came to the field on Tuesday and apologized to him and Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins for his position. The right-hander then apologized to his club mates.
“I think showing accountability was a really good thing,” Schneider said. “We want everyone to feel welcome here on the field, of course, and throughout the league, and we as an organization are going to continue to do all the things we’ve done in the past in the Pride community and it was a good thing that Anthony came along and realized what he’d done.”
The Blue Jays will hold their annual weekend of June 9th and 10th at Rogers Center. Schneider said he expected Bass to be supportive and involved in the festivities.
“The message to the fan base is that we have and will continue to be a huge part of the Pride community. We look forward to June 9th and 10th, and it doesn’t represent our public sentiment as an organization,” Schneider said. That, and if they take anything away, is that accountability was there and awareness of how it made people feel there.”
“The feelings of the individual player do not represent the beliefs of the club,” the organization said in an emailed statement.
The Blue Jays bring millions of fans together across Canada and are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all. The Blue Jays are proud to celebrate LGBTQ2S+ Pride Month, including a special 4th Annual Football Field Weekend on June 9 and 10, and coalition demonstrations throughout month around the field.”
The Blue Jays did not immediately say what “resources for a better education” will be available to Bass but Schneider said there will be more steps that will follow Tuesday’s apology.
“We are not going to pretend that this never happened. We are not going to pretend that this is the end and we are moving forward. There are definitely more steps to be taken,” said the manager.
And according to Schneider, Bass, 35, is not expected to receive an intramural major.
“I think his apology was genuine and strong for both the coaching staff and his teammates,” said Sneijder. “And when it comes to how your fan base views you, whether it’s a player or a manager, you have to acknowledge the things you do, you have to recognize when you’re doing things that are hurtful or wrong, you have to acknowledge that, you have to have things to do going forward that you won’t let that happen. that again.”
Bass’ announcement and apology come as Dodgers and superstar Clayton Kershaw are embroiled in controversy over the Pride’s plans. Kershaw told The Los Angeles Times on Monday that he disagreed with the team’s decision to invite the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence — a San Francisco-based performance organization that includes performers dressed like nuns — to the team’s Pride Night on June 16, and it affected their performance. The timing of his announcement of “Christian Faith and Family Day”.
(Photo: Eric Kanha/USA Today)
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