Social media posts spark community backlash
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander deleted a series of anti-Muslim videos two days after posting them in the wake of the U.S. midterm elections, toronto.citynews.ca reported.
The shared clips featured a Christian preacher stating that “there is no such thing as kind Muslims” and suggesting that Sharia law would be imposed on the U.S. following the election of Abdul El-Sayed to the Senate in Michigan. El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, will become the first Muslim American U.S. senator after facing Islamophobic rhetoric on the campaign trail.
National Council calls for dialogue
Steven Zhou, media and communications lead for the National Council of Canadian Muslims, described the posts as disappointing and very disconcerting while noting that a real opportunity exists to turn the situation into a positive outcome through education, according to toronto.citynews.ca. Zhou added that the community primarily wants a strengthened relationship and an apology from the 32-year-old player.
Santander, who is from Venezuela, signed a five-year, US$92.5-million contract with the Blue Jays in January 2025. He missed last season at the major-league level due to injuries after hitting 44 home runs for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, and he is expected to return as an everyday player in 2027.
Team response draws criticism
The Blue Jays issued a statement last Friday emphasizing that baseball is for everyone and that individual comments do not represent the organization’s values and beliefs, toronto.citynews.ca reported. General manager Ross Atkins was scheduled to hold a media availability at Major League Baseball’s general managers meetings in Las Vegas.
Fans and community members expressed frustration over the lack of an announced reprimand from the franchise. Emad Ahmed, a 26-year-old influencer from Oakville, told toronto.citynews.ca that he felt appalled seeing the posts on Instagram as an emotionally invested Muslim fan. Morgan McLellan, a managing partner at crisis communications firm Sovereign, characterized the team’s reaction as the bare minimum required to address the situation.
Precedents and potential penalties
The franchise previously faced controversy in May 2023 when reliever Anthony Bass shared a video supporting boycotts of companies backing the LGBTQ+ community, toronto.citynews.ca reported. Bass later apologized and met with Pride Toronto representatives before being designated for assignment and released, with general manager Ross Atkins citing performance as the primary reason alongside the controversy.
Sports lawyer Emir Crowne noted via email to toronto.citynews.ca that realistic disciplinary outcomes for Santander include a fine, a short suspension, or sensitivity training. Crowne added that any heavier punishment would likely be grieved before an arbitrator, where a genuine apology would assist the player.
Questions about Santander's shared videos and responses
What specific videos did Anthony Santander share?
The posts included a Christian preacher claiming there is no such thing as kind Muslims and another video warning that Sharia law would be imposed on the U.S. following the election of Abdul El-Sayed to the U.S. Senate in Michigan, toronto.citynews.ca reported.
How has Anthony Santander or his representation responded?
A message left with Santander’s agent and sports management company was not immediately returned, according to toronto.citynews.ca.
What does the National Council of Canadian Muslims want to happen next?
Steven Zhou stated that the council hopes to hear from the club and is open to meeting with the player and ownership to develop a stronger relationship through education, toronto.citynews.ca reported.
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