Anthony Bass cut by Blue Jays in wake of anti-LGBTQ+ controversy
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass was designated for assignment on Friday after creating controversy with an anti-LGBTQ+ social media post. The Blue Jays made the move to reinstate Mitch White from the 60-day injured list. Bass, 35, shared a video to his Instagram story in late May discussing the “biblical reason Christians should boycott Target and Bud Light” due to their support of LGBTQ+ campaigns. Bass was set to catch the ceremonial first pitch before the Blue Jays’ game against the Twins on Friday as the team begins its Pride Weekend celebrations, but the team ultimately reversed course just hours before game time.
Bass has faced criticism from fans and was booed at Rogers Centre shortly after his post. He has since apologized, sharing with reporters that he recognized he “made a post that was hurtful to the Pride community, which includes friends of mine and close family members of mine, and I am truly sorry for that.” He has pledged to use the Blue Jays’ resources to educate himself and make better decisions moving forward.
Following Bass’ post, a Blue Jays spokesperson reiterated that “individual player sentiments are not representative of the club’s beliefs.” Bass also met with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste on Tuesday, and it was reported on Thursday that he would catch Friday’s first pitch. However, on Friday, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins stated that the decision to designate Bass for assignment was part of a baseball decision but added that the distraction component was a part of it.
FAQs:
What is a designated for assignment (DFA) move?
A DFA move means that a team has removed a player from its 40-man roster, giving it 10 days to release or trade the player. This move is often made as a result of a player’s on-field performance or behavior off the field.
Why was Anthony Bass criticized by fans?
Bass was criticized after sharing a video discussing the “biblical reason Christians should boycott Target and Bud Light” due to their support of LGBTQ+ campaigns. Many fans and members of the LGBTQ+ community found his post to be hurtful and offensive.
Did Bass apologize for his post?
Yes, Bass apologized and recognized that his post was hurtful to the Pride community. He has pledged to educate himself and make better decisions moving forward.
Blue Jays release Anthony Bass following anti-LGBTQ+ controversy
Blue Jays relief pitcher Anthony Bass has been designated for assignment following backlash from an anti-LGBTQ+ social media post he shared on Instagram. The move comes after the Blue Jays reinstated Mitch White from the 60-day injured list. In the post, Bass reposted a video discussing “the biblical reason Christians should boycott Target and Bud Light” amid the companies’ ongoing LGBTQ+ campaigns. The team had initially planned for Bass to catch the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the Blue Jays’ game against the Twins as part of Pride Weekend celebrations, but reversed course. Bass has apologized for the hurtful post, which was condemned by fans and the club.