Blue Jays OF Anthony Santander apologizes for anti-Islam Instagram posts

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander issued an apology on Friday for his anti-Islam posts on social media.More than a week after sharing the posts on his Instagram story, the veteran used the same platform to publish a lengthy statement acknowledging the harm of his posts and affirming his respect for the Muslim community.The full statement:Alter taking time to reflect on my recent social media posts and speaking with people I trust and respect, I recognize that I should have been more thoughtful about what I shared on my platform.I realize that this content caused hurt and I sincerely apologize. I should have been more thoughtful about what I shared, recognizing the responsibility that comes with having a public voice.As a man of faith, it is my belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their religion, background, or beliefs. After hearing feedback from those I hurt, I realize that the content I shared fell short of my own convictions.I would like to affirm my respect for the Muslim community and for the dignity and freedom of people of every faith and background.From this experience, I have learned to ensure that none of my communications promote hate or give the impression that I support hatred, discrimination, or violence against anyone.The apology came a day after the Blue Jays issued their own statement apologizing to the Muslim community following a meeting with leaders in the local community.The posts in question were a pair of reels shared on Santander's Instagram story, both posted in the wake of the United States midterm elections that saw Democrats capture control of the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and several state governments.The first video consisted of one account tracking the number of Muslims elected to government positions, most notably Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, and arguing that "All good Muslims believe in and want Sharia law instead of American law." The second video features a Christian minister proclaiming, among other things, that there is "no such thing as kind Muslims."The posts were removed from Santander's IG story hours after they began receiving notice elsewhere.The Blue Jays immediately responded to the situation with a post distancing themselves from Santander’s “individual comments.” General manager Ross Atkins also addressed Santander during the annual GM meetings earlier this week, saying he had personally expressed his concerns to Santander.More from Atkins:"There really aren't words to express my level of disappointment with him making those comments. I've expressed that to him. I think anything exacerbating some level of anti-Islamic hate is just extremely concerning, extremely disappointing. I also talked to Anthony about his lack of awareness, realizing that he has a very large microphone, what that meant."We're working exceptionally hard internally to ensure, and we have been, that it's a safe environment, that baseball is for everyone. It's very important to us. It's a part of our organizational values and his behavior did not align with that."Such a situation is particularly sensitive in Toronto, which has a 9.6% Muslim population per Canadian census data from 2021. Muslims make up 4.9% of the Canadian population overall.It has been more than a year since Santander played his most recent game for the Blue Jays, who signed him to a five-year, $92.5 million contract in free agency following the 2024 season. His first season with the club in 2025 saw him play only 54 games due to a lingering shoulder injury and slash only .175/.271/.294. His injury worsened during the 2025 postseason and resulted in surgery on his left labrum.Santander began a rehab assignment in September of this year, but played only five games before his season ended without a return to MLB. He has three guaranteed seasons remaining on his contract, with a salary ranging from $15.5 million to $19.2 million with deferrals, plus a $15 million team option for 2030.