Toronto Blue Jays send Anthony Bass packing after anti-LGBTQ2S+ controversy
CTV
Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass was demoted from the team’s roster on Friday afternoon after sharing an anti-LGBTQ2S+ video.
Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass was demoted from the team’s roster on Friday afternoon after sharing an anti-LGBTQ2S+ video.
The roster move comes a day after Bass said he stands by his “personal beliefs” just over a week after apologizing for sharing an Instagram story encouraging followers to boycott Target and Bud Light over the support they showed for the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Starting pitcher RHP Mitch White was reinstated after a right elbow injury, the Jays announced in a release on Friday.
“To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Anthony Bass has been designated for assignment,” the team said.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday night, Bass said, “Everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs, right? But also, I mean no harm towards any groups of people.”
“I felt like taking that down a second time was the right thing to do and not be a distraction to this team. Our job is to win baseball games and that’s my focus,” Bass said.
Bass was scheduled to catch the ceremonial first pitch at the Jay’s Pride Night on Friday. The team has not announced if that will still take place.
