While acknowledging that he was “personally hurt” by Bass’s post, Atkins said he accepted the apology the pitcher offered to him and manager John Schneider last month. Moving forward, I will definitely know better than to post my personal beliefs on my social media platforms.”īlue Jays general manager Ross Atkins addressed the subject for the first time Thursday, shortly before Bass spoke. “Through this process, I’ve learned that.

“My focus from the get-go should have been doing my job and being accepting of everyone’s decisions and views in life,” Bass added.

“But I stand by my personal beliefs,” Bass said, “and everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs, right? Also, I mean no harm towards any groups of people. When I look back at it, I can see how people would view it that way and that’s why I was apologetic.”īass said he chose to delete the post because “it was the right thing to do,” and because he didn’t want it to be a distraction to the team. However, Bass later said he didn’t believe the post, which described the sale of LGBTQ+ merchandise as “evil” and “demonic,” should be considered hateful.

“I just want them to know that I’m working hard on myself, a lot of self-reflection.” Both companies are dealing with fallout from those campaigns, which have included hostile and homophobic criticisms and calls from LGBTQ+ activists not to cave to anti-LGBTQ+ groups.īass has been booed by Toronto fans in his two home appearances since the apology. Bass is scheduled to catch the ceremonial first pitch from Toronto LGBTQ+ activist leZlie Lee Kam before Friday’s game against Minnesota as the Blue Jays begin their fourth annual Pride Weekend celebration.īass apologized before a May 30 game against Milwaukee, one day after sharing a post on his Instagram stories calling for anti-LGBTQ+ boycotts of Target and Bud Light over support they showed for the LGBTQ+ community.

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