The Toronto Blue Jays have apologized after outfielder Anthony Santander posted a series of anti-Muslim messages on Instagram following Abdul El-Sayed’s election to the U.S. Senate from Michigan, where El-Sayed became the first Muslim elected to that chamber after defeating Mike Rogers.
Santander wrote “America voted for Sharia last night!” in one Instagram Story and “Muslims are not peaceful” in another, drawing widespread criticism.
The Blue Jays responded Thursday with a statement posted to Instagram from team CEO and president Mark Shapiro.
“The Blue Jays are deeply sorry to the Muslim community and our fans for the pain and harm these Islamophobic posts have caused,” the statement said. “We will work with leaders in Muslim communities to fight against all forms of hate.”
The statement called the posts an “opportunity to listen and learn” and said they “reaffirm our beliefs and values as an organization,” adding: “We condemn Islamophobia and all forms of hate.”
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins had already spoken out against Santander’s comments before the team’s formal statement.
“There really aren’t words to express my level of disappointment with him making those comments. I’ve expressed that to him,” Atkins said. “Anything exacerbating some level of anti-Islamic hate is just extremely concerning, extremely disappointing.”
An earlier statement from the team said, “Baseball is for everyone, and the Blue Jays have created an inclusive experience where all fans feel welcome at our ballpark. Individual comments do not represent our organization’s values and beliefs.”
Santander, an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with Toronto before the 2025 season. He played just 50 games that year before missing the entire 2026 season following shoulder surgery and a subsequent back issue during rehabilitation.
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