Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander apologizes for Islamophobic social media posts
Anthony Santander issued an apology for sharing anti-Islam content online, and the Toronto Blue Jays organization reiterated its commitment to inclusion after the controversy.
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander posted an apology on Instagram after criticism over two posts that described Islam as unpeaceful and claimed the United States had voted for Sharia. In a statement he said the content caused hurt, expressed regret for not being more thoughtful, and affirmed his respect for the Muslim community and for the dignity of people of all faiths.
The posts followed Democrat Abdul El-Sayed's victory in the Michigan U.S. Senate race, which made him the first Muslim-American elected to the Senate. The Blue Jays quickly distanced themselves, emphasizing that baseball is inclusive. General manager Ross Atkins told reporters he was disappointed by Santander's comments and had addressed the issue with the player.
Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro said the organization met with leaders of Toronto's Muslim community, listened to the harm caused by the posts, and reiterated its condemnation of Islamophobia and all forms of hate. Santander is entering the third year of a five-year, $92.5 million contract, having appeared in 54 games for Toronto and missing the 2026 season due to injury.