Blue Jays Remove Anthony Bass Following Controversial Social Media Post

 Controversy Surrounding Anthony Bass Deepens

The Toronto Blue Jays have made the decision to designate reliever Anthony Bass for assignment following a social media post in which he expressed support for anti-LGBTQ boycotts. Last week, Bass shared a since-deleted video post that urged others to boycott Target and Bud Light due to their support for the LGBTQ community. The pitcher had issued a public apology for the post, but the controversy continued to escalate.

Bass was initially included in the lineup to catch the ceremonial first pitch by LGBTQ advocate leZlie Lee Kam during the Jays' Pride Weekend kickoff game against Minnesota. However, the decision received backlash on social media. Blue Jays fans even booed Bass during his first appearance after the post and initial apology.

In response to the situation, Toronto called up right-hander Mitch White as a corresponding roster move. Bass, who holds a 0-0 record and 4.95 earned-run average over 22 appearances this season, stated that he was "in a better place moving forward" after a meeting with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste.

Modeste, in an interview, expressed respect for the Blue Jays' decision and the community's clear stance against having Bass represent Toronto. He clarified that the intent of the meeting with Bass was not to change his beliefs but rather to highlight the potential impact of his statement on various groups within the community.

While Modeste initially had hope for Bass's understanding, the recent statement made by the pitcher indicated otherwise. The Blue Jays organization remains committed to promoting inclusivity and respect, leading to the removal of Anthony Bass from their roster.