Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander issued an apology Friday for sharing anti-Muslim social media posts, acknowledging that the content caused significant hurt.
The veteran player stated that his actions fell short of his own personal convictions, according to Yahoo Sports.
In a formal statement released on Instagram, Santander explained that reflection and private conversations led him to recognize his failure to exercise proper judgment.
He noted that he should have been more thoughtful regarding the responsibility associated with holding a public voice, as reported by The Associated Press.
Santander originally shared the posts on Nov. 4, which included a video of a Christian preacher disparaging Muslims and claims regarding the future of Sharia law in the United States.
He deleted the material the following morning, the outlets reported.
The 32-year-old outfielder expressed his respect for the Muslim community and pledged to avoid sharing content that promotes hate in the future.
His public apology followed a meeting between Blue Jays president and chief executive officer Mark Shapiro and local community leaders.
Shapiro apologized to the Muslim community and fans on Thursday, while general manager Ross Atkins had requested that Santander address the controversy directly, per the provided reporting.
The Venezuelan player signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Toronto organization in January 2025.
He missed the entire 2026 season due to injuries, and it remains unclear whether the team will impose any further disciplinary action regarding the social media controversy.
The situation highlights the ongoing scrutiny regarding the conduct of professional athletes on digital platforms.
The Blue Jays organization has not provided further comment on potential internal consequences for the player following his statement.
The incident continues to draw attention as the team navigates the fallout from the posts shared earlier this month.
Santander remains under contract with the club as he prepares for upcoming seasons.