Photo:Mark Blinch/Getty
Mark Blinch/Getty
The reliever, 35, promoted the video without comment on his Instagram Story on Monday. The video was encouraging viewers to boycott Target and Bud Light because they support LGBTQ+ rights, according to multiple sources includingSports Illustrated.
A day later, Bass offered an apology for his actions to reporters.
“I recognize yesterday that I made a post that was hurtful to the Pride community, which includes friends of mine and close family members of mine, and I am truly sorry for that,”Bass said. “I just spoke with my teammates and shared with them my actions yesterday, and apologized with them.”
He continued, “As of right now, I am using the Blue Jays’ resources to better educate myself to make better decisions moving forward. The ballpark is for everybody. We include all fans at the ballpark. We want to welcome everybody. That’s all I have to say.”
In a video of the incident, many in the stands can be heard booing.
At the same time, Toronto’s iconic CN Tower, which is just outside the stadium,displayed Pride colorsin support of those in the LGBTQ+ community, and in honor of Pride Month.
Blue Jays management said Bass would not be disciplined for his actions.
The incident, as Pride Month gets underway, comes as the Los Angeles Dodgers deal with their own ongoing controversy.
Earlier this week, pitcher Clayton Kershaw drew notice for commenting on the timing of two upcoming promotions at Dodger Stadium.In response to the Los Angeles Dodgers extending an invitation to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during an upcoming Pride Night celebration at the park, the nine-time All-Startold theLos Angeles Timesthat he expedited his own announcement that the ball club would celebrate Christian Faith Day this year — for the first time since 2019.
But the Dodgers then reversed the decision last week.
source: people.com
