The National Council of Canadian Muslims says it was disappointed by social media videos shared by Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander but is hopeful the situation can improve relations with the Muslim community.
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The National Council of Canadian Muslims says it found social media posts by Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander disconcerting, while also saying there is an opportunity to turn the controversy into a stronger relationship between the team, the player, ownership and the Muslim community.
Steven Zhou, the council’s media and communications lead, said the posts were “disappointing and disconcerting,” but expressed hope that the outcome can lead to improved ties with the Muslim community.
The council’s comments follow Santander sharing a series of anti-Muslim videos on his social media account after the U.S. midterm elections last week. Santander later deleted the videos last Thursday.
The Blue Jays subsequently issued a statement saying individual comments do not represent the organization’s values and beliefs.
Toronto general manager Ross Atkins is scheduled to hold an availability Tuesday afternoon at Major League Baseball’s GM meetings in Las Vegas.
Santander, 32 and from Venezuela, did not play at the big-league level last season due to injuries. He signed a five-year deal worth US$92.5 million with the Blue Jays in January 2025.
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