Blue Jays' Anthony Santander apologizes for sharing anti-Muslim social media posts
Blue Jays outfielder says shared content fell short of his convictions and hurt the Muslim community
Quick Look
- Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologized for sharing anti-Muslim social media posts, including a video disparaging Muslims and a claim about Sharia law after Abdul El-Sayed's Senate election.
- The apology followed statements from team president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins.
- Santander signed a $92.5 million, five-year contract in January 2025 but missed the entire 2026 season due to injuries, and team discipline remains unclear.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Santander shared anti-Muslim posts on November 4 and deleted them the next morning. The posts included a video of a Christian preacher disparaging Muslims and another suggesting Sharia law would be imposed on the United States after Abdul El-Sayed's election to the Senate in Michigan. Santander signed a $92.5 million, five-year contract with Toronto in January 2025 but missed the entire 2026 season due to injuries.
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologized Friday for sharing anti-Muslim social media posts, saying the content caused hurt and fell short of his own convictions.
In a statement on Instagram, Santander said reflection and conversations with people he trusts made him recognize he should have been more thoughtful about what he shared and the responsibility that comes with having a public voice.
He expressed respect for the Muslim community and pledged to avoid sharing content that promotes hate.
Santander shared the posts Nov. 4 and deleted them the next morning, including a video of a Christian preacher disparaging Muslims and another suggesting Sharia law would be imposed on the United States after Abdul El-Sayed's election to the Senate in Michigan.
His apology came a day after Blue Jays president and chief executive officer Mark Shapiro apologized to the Muslim community and fans following a meeting with community leaders, and after general manager Ross Atkins asked Santander to publicly address the controversy.
The 32-year-old Venezuelan signed a $92.5 million, five-year contract with Toronto in January 2025 but missed the entire 2026 season because of injuries. It remains unclear whether the team will discipline him over the posts.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Toronto Blue Jays will announce disciplinary action against Anthony Santander
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will the Toronto Blue Jays discipline Anthony Santander over the posts?
- What specific disciplinary actions, if any, are being considered?
- How has the Muslim community responded to Santander's apology?
