Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins voiced sharp criticism on Tuesday regarding Anthony Santander’s deleted anti-Muslim social media posts, CBS Sports reported.
Atkins spoke to reporters from the general meetings, addressing the outfielder’s online activity following the U.S. midterm elections.
“There really aren’t words to express my level of disappointment,” Atkins said, via Sportsnet. “Anything exacerbating some level of hate, anti-Islamic, is just extremely concerning and extremely disappointing.”
Santander removes social media videos after team statement
Santander, who is a native of Venezuela, shared several videos on his social media accounts after last week’s midterm elections. One shared video featured a Christian pastor stating that “there is no such thing as kind Muslims,” while another suggested that Sharia law would be imposed in the United States following the election of Abdul El-Sayed to the Senate. Santander has since removed the videos from his profiles.
Speaking to media in Las Vegas, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins said “there really aren't words to express my level of disappointment” about Anthony Santander’s social media posts last week, adding “anything exacerbating some level of hate, anti-Islamic, is just extremely concerning and…”
In the wake of the online posts, the team released a formal statement addressing the situation. “Baseball is for everyone, and the Blue Jays have created an inclusive experience where all fans feel welcome at our ballpark,” the organization said. “Individual comments do not represent our organization’s values and beliefs.”
Private Discussions and Public Accountability
Atkins detailed his private conversations with the veteran player, noting that Santander demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding the reach of his platform. The general manager emphasized the organization’s commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all participants and fans.
“I also talked to Anthony about his lack of awareness, realizing that he has a very large microphone, what that meant,” Atkins said. “We’re working exceptionally hard internally to ensure, and we have been, that it’s a safe environment, that baseball is for everyone. It’s very important to us. It’s a part of our organizational values and his behavior did not align with that.”
It remains unclear whether Santander intends to address the controversy publicly. However, Atkins confirmed that he advised the player to make a public statement. “I expressed my level of concern. I believe he felt it. I know he feels badly. But I don’t want to speak for him,” Atkins said, adding that he “told him that I thought he needed to and that he should.”
Santander signed as free agent after starting in Venezuela
Santander originally signed as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela in 2011 at the age of 16. He subsequently signed a free agent deal with the Blue Jays prior to the 2025 season. Injuries have limited him to 54 games over the past two seasons.
Common Questions About the Blue Jays Controversy
What specific posts did Anthony Santander share?
Santander shared social media videos following the U.S. midterm elections, including one featuring a Christian pastor asserting that “there is no such thing as kind Muslims” and another implying the imposition of Sharia law.
Has Anthony Santander issued a public apology?
Santander has deleted the videos from his social media pages, but it remains unclear whether he plans to address the matter publicly, though general manager Ross Atkins advised him to do so.
When did Santander join the Blue Jays organization?
Santander signed a free agent deal with the Blue Jays prior to the 2025 season, having originally signed as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela in 2011.
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