Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander issued an Instagram apology on Friday nine days after sharing Islamophobic content on his social media platform.
The posts included videos targeting United States Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed and claims that Islam is not a peaceful religion, triggering a swift condemnation from team leadership.
The incident surfaced after team president Mark Shapiro engaged with leaders of Toronto’s Muslim communities, ultimately leading to a public rebuke from the organization.
Anthony Santander just posted an apology on his Instagram: “I recognize that I should have been more thoughtful about what I shared on my platform.” “I would like to affirm my respect for the Muslim community”#BlueJays pic.twitter.com/OuScQLzKz5
“There really aren't words to express my level of disappointment with him making those comments,” general manager Ross Atkins said.
In his statement posted to Instagram, Santander acknowledged the harm caused by his digital activity. “I realize that this content caused hurt and I sincerely apologize,” he wrote. “I should have been more thoughtful about what I shared, recognizing the responsibility that comes with having a public voice.”
A statement from #BlueJays CEO Mark Shapiro on Santander’s social media posts: https://t.co/fVKOVfz8jd
The controversy arrives at a difficult juncture for the Blue Jays, as Santander has struggled to provide on-field value during his tenure. Signed to a five-year, $92.5 million deal before the 2025 season, his participation has been severely limited by recurring shoulder and back injuries.
He has appeared in only 54 regular-season games across two seasons. His current contract structure, which includes significant deferred money, creates a prohibitive barrier to any potential trade. The organization finds itself with a high-cost asset that is effectively unmovable, complicating their offseason roster management.
- The Incident: Anthony Santander shared content featuring Islamophobic rhetoric on his Instagram story.
- The Response: Both GM Ross Atkins and President Mark Shapiro issued condemnations following meetings with community leaders.
- The Contractual Context: Santander remains under a $92.5 million contract with limited trade viability due to injury history.
- The Timeline: The apology was published on November 13, 2026, nine days after the original posts were shared.
As of November 13, 2026, the organization has not announced any further disciplinary actions beyond the public statements issued by leadership.
Santander stated in his follow-up post that he would like to affirm his respect for the Muslim community.
Earlier coverage: Blue Jays Apologize for Santander's Islamophobic Posts
