Blue Jays' Anthony Santander apologizes for anti-Muslim social media posts
Photo: Washington TimesToronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologized Friday for sharing anti-Muslim social media posts, saying the content caused hurt. In an Instagram statement, the 32-year-old said he should have been more thoughtful and pledged to avoid content that promotes hate. He shared the posts on Nov. 4 and deleted them the next morning, including a video of a Christian preacher disparaging Muslims. The apology followed a day after Blue Jays president and chief executive officer Mark Shapiro apologized to the Muslim community after meeting its leaders, and general manager Ross Atkins asked Santander to address the controversy. Santander signed a $92.5 million, five-year contract with Toronto in January 2025 but missed the entire 2026 season with injuries. It is unclear whether the team will discipline him.
HuffPost, the left-leaning source, leads with Santander's apology, his statement of respect for Muslims and his pledge to avoid hateful content, and adds Shapiro's earlier apology. The right-leaning Blaze instead headlines the CEO's apology and describes Santander as not backing down, while the Washington Times leads with the Blue Jays' apology to Canadian Muslim fans and calls Santander unrepentant. Both right-leaning outlets frame the team's apologies first and treat the player's stance as the conflict, a point HuffPost does not stress. ESPN and CBS Sports, the alternative sources, report the apology plainly, with CBS Sports quoting the statement at length alongside the club's message that baseball is for everyone.
How the sides differ Left source stresses Santander's apology; right sources portray Santander as unrepentant and stress the team's apologies; alternative sources focus on his statement.
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HuffPost leads with Santander's Instagram apology and his pledge to avoid hateful content, noting the team's earlier apology and the unresolved discipline question.
ESPN and CBS Sports report the apology directly, with CBS Sports quoting the full statement and the club's inclusion message.
- Washington TimesPaywallBlue Jays apologize to Canadian Muslim fans, express frustration with Santander for his online posts
The Blaze centers the team's CEO apology and says Santander isn't backing down; the Washington Times leads with the apology to Muslim fans and calls Santander unrepentant.