The Toronto Blue Jays have parted ways with pitcher Anthony Bass after he faced backlash for sharing posts critical of gender ideology on social media.
Bass, who despite publicly apologizing for his actions, was designated for assignment on Friday, meaning he is no longer on the team’s roster.
Bass had posted a video on his Instagram stories in May that called for boycotts of Target and Bud Light over their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The video described their Pride-themed merchandise in biblical terms. Bass later deleted the post and issued a brief apology, saying he did not mean to hurt anyone.
“I recognize yesterday I made a post that was hurtful to the pride community which includes friends of mine and close family members of mine and I’m truly sorry for that,” said Bass.
“I just spoke with my teammates and I apologized to them and as of right now I’m using the Blue Jays’ resources to better educate myself and make better decisions moving forward.”
However, his apology did not seem to satisfy many LGBT activists, who called for his dismissal.
He was supposed to take part in a ceremonial first pitch by an LGBT advocate at Friday’s game, as part of the Jays’ Pride Weekend.
“Despite apologizing, BlueJays’ Anthony Bass has used his platform to share anti-2SLGBTQI hate. It’s time for the Jays to take number 52 off the roster and stand with the 2SLGBTQI community,” wrote Egale Canada.
On Thursday, Bass met with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste at Rogers Centre to discuss his views and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community.
Modeste said it was a good second step, but not the end of the journey. He said Bass agreed to continue his education and awareness.
The Jays have since called on pitcher Mitch White.
