Following an anti-LGBTQ2S+ issue, the Toronto Blue Jays fired Anthony Bass.
Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass was demoted from the team’s roster on Friday afternoon for posting an anti-LGBTQ2S+ video.
The roster change comes a day after Bass stated that he stands by his “personal beliefs” after apologizing for publishing an Instagram story pushing followers to boycott Target and Bud Light for their support of the LGBTQ2S+ community. The Jays announced on Friday that starting pitcher RHP Mitch White had been reinstated following a right elbow injury.
“To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Anthony Bass has been designated for assignment,” the organization announced in a statement.
Bass told reporters on Thursday night, “Everyone has the right to their own beliefs, right?” But I also wish no harm to any group of individuals.”
“I believed that taking it down a second time was the correct thing to do to avoid distracting this crew. “Our job is to win baseball games, and that is what I am focused on,” Bass said.
Bass was supposed to catch the ceremonial first pitch at Jay’s Pride Night on Friday, but that has already been scrapped.
When a reporter questioned if he thought the video he posted was hateful, the pitcher said, “I do not.”
Bass told reporters on Thursday night: “Everyone has the right to their own beliefs, right?” But I also intend no harm to any group of people.”
“I believed that bringing it down a second time was the best thing to do to prevent disrupting this crew. “Our job is to win baseball games, and that is what I am concentrating on,” Bass said.
Bass was scheduled to catch the ceremonial first pitch at Jay’s Pride Night on Friday, but that has already been canceled.
When asked if he thought the video he posted was hostile, the pitcher responded, “I do not.”
