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Blue Jays cut pitcher Anthony Bass after latest anti-LGBTQ+ comments

by Chloe Baker
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anti-LGBTQ+ comments

The Toronto Blue Jays made the decision to release pitcher Anthony Bass on Friday, following his recent comments that were deemed as anti-LGBTQ+. The right-handed reliever had defended a social media post he shared the previous month, claiming it was not intended to be hateful.

The announcement came just hours before Bass was scheduled to participate in a ceremonial first pitch, caught by Toronto LGBTQ+ activist leZlie Lee Kam, as part of the Blue Jays’ annual Pride Weekend celebration, which was set to commence with the game against Minnesota.

The team now has a seven-day window to either trade Bass or place him on waivers.

Bass had offered an apology prior to a game against Milwaukee on May 30, immediately after sharing an Instagram post calling for boycotts against Target and Bud Light due to their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Both companies have faced backlash as a result, with hostile and homophobic criticism, as well as calls from LGBTQ+ activists urging them not to succumb to the pressure.

Despite the apology, Bass continued to face boos from Toronto fans during his two subsequent home appearances. In an interaction with the media before Thursday’s victory over Houston, he reiterated his commitment to his “personal beliefs” while expressing his dedication to self-education. He mentioned engaging with the executive director of Pride Toronto as part of his efforts to broaden his understanding.

Bass, a 35-year-old veteran with 12 years of experience, including playing in Japan, had recorded a 0-0 record with a 4.95 ERA in 22 games.

In the wake of Bass’s release, the Blue Jays activated right-hander Mitch White, who had been on the 60-day injured list, to take his place on the team.


AP MLB: https://bigbignews.net/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about anti-LGBTQ+ comments

Q: Why did the Toronto Blue Jays cut pitcher Anthony Bass?

A: The Toronto Blue Jays cut pitcher Anthony Bass due to his controversial anti-LGBTQ+ comments. The team took action in response to his remarks, which were deemed as promoting hate and not aligning with the organization’s values of inclusivity and acceptance.

Q: What was the social media post that Anthony Bass shared?

A: Anthony Bass shared a social media post on his Instagram calling for anti-LGBTQ+ boycotts of Target and Bud Light. The post criticized the companies for their support of the LGBTQ+ community, leading to backlash and calls for accountability.

Q: Did Anthony Bass apologize for his comments?

A: Yes, Anthony Bass issued an apology before a game against Milwaukee after facing criticism for his anti-LGBTQ+ comments. However, his apology did not prevent the Toronto fans from expressing their disapproval during his subsequent home appearances.

Q: What actions did the Blue Jays take during their Pride Weekend celebration?

A: The Blue Jays had planned to kick off their fourth annual Pride Weekend celebration with a game against Minnesota, featuring a ceremonial first pitch caught by Toronto LGBTQ+ activist leZlie Lee Kam. However, due to Anthony Bass’s release, the team had to make adjustments to the event.

Q: Will the Blue Jays trade or place Anthony Bass on waivers?

A: Following Anthony Bass’s release, the Toronto Blue Jays have a seven-day window to either trade him to another team or place him on waivers. The outcome will depend on negotiations with other teams and the interest shown in acquiring him.

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