Toronto Blue Jays apologize after Muslim community outcry over Anthony Santander's Instagram posts
The Toronto Blue Jays issued a corporate apology Thursday after activist groups targeted outfielder Anthony Santander over political Instagram posts he shared last week.
Caving to activist pressure, the team met with local Muslim leaders before president and CEO Mark Shapiro issued the following statement.
"We met with leaders in Toronto's Muslim communities today, who shared the harm caused by Anthony Santander's Islamophobic social media posts. The opportunity to listen and learn was important and reaffirms our beliefs and values as an organization. We condemn Islamophobia and all forms of hate.
"The Blue Jays are deeply sorry to the Muslim community and our fans for the pain and harm these Islamophobic posts have caused. We will work with leaders in Muslim communities to fight against all forms of hate. The Blue Jays will continue to ensure our organization reflects the inclusive community we are proud to call home."
Santander ruffled some feathers last week after progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan's U.S. Senate race.
A native of Venezuela who grew up under socialist rule, Santander shared third-party Instagram stories, which included a thumbnail of El-Sayed reading "America voted for Sharia last night," a graphic stating, "Islam is not peaceful," and a preacher claiming, "there is no such thing as kind Muslims."
Santander deleted the posts two days later.
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Advocacy groups and online critics condemned the posts, demanding the franchise cancel the outfielder. Steven Zhou of the National Council of Canadian Muslims told reporters that community members were "very, very upset."
Zhou attended Thursday's meeting and reported the club committed to putting Santander through educational training, though Shapiro's statement mentioned no discipline.
Despite the pressure, Santander has not apologized or commented publicly.
Speaking Tuesday at MLB's general manager meetings, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins said there were no words to express his disappointment and confirmed he told Santander he needed to address the situation.
Neither the Blue Jays nor Major League Baseball has announced a fine, suspension or roster move, and it mostly comes down to payroll.
Cutting Santander would force Toronto to absorb $49 million in remaining guaranteed money.
Since signing in 2025, Santander has played in just 54 games, missing the entire 2026 season after shoulder surgery.
For now, the Blue Jays are willing to issue apologies to appease activists.
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