The cancellation of Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass took another, more definitive turn on Friday. As announced by the team, Bass was released before the team’s Pride Weekend began.
Bass made headlines last month when he shared, without comment, a creator named Ryan Miller, who used scripture to call Christians to action and boycott corporations that have targeted their brands toward the LGBTQ community during the Pride Month.
The mere fact that Bass had shared the video caused an immediate uproar online, and the pitcher found himself very meekly apologizing to reporters the next day while promising to undergo sensitivity training.
Here is the video of Anthony Bass, addressing the media.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/p84JgPvpjt
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) May 30, 2023
The story took another twist 48 hours ago when the Jays announced Bass would take the first pitch during the team’s Pride Weekend festivities.
However, someone clearly had a change of heart at some point because the team decided to part ways with the 35-year-old reliever.
TONGUE MOVEMENTS:
🔹 RHP Mitch White has been reinstated from the 60-day IL and will be active for tonight’s game
🔹 RHP Anthony Bass has been designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/O36mqtPENc
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 9, 2023
Before facing the Houston Astros on Thursday, Bass told reporters that he shared the video because it “reflected my (Christian) beliefs,” but added that he did not find it hateful.
“That’s why I posted it originally. When I look back, I could see how people can see it that way. And that’s why I apologized.”
In a moment that could have sealed his fate with Toronto, Bass said he ultimately stands by his personal beliefs.
“But I stand by my personal beliefs, and everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs, right? But also, I don’t mean any harm to any group of people.”
Bass appeared in 22 games this year with a 4.95 ERA.
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