Statement from Anthony Bass:
Ross Atkins, Anthony Bass had ‘charged’ conversation over anti-2SLGBTQ+ post
Photo credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
By Thomas Hall
Jun 8, 2023, 16:30 EDT
Things got a little heated between Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins and right-hander Anthony Bass recently, and understandably so.
Bass, who shared an Instagram reel on May 29 that endorsed those boycotting Target and Bud Light for supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community, issued a brief 33-second apology for his comments the next day but declined to answer any follow-up questions.
On Thursday, Atkins met with local reporters for the first time since Bass’ on-field apology and fielded questions regarding the fallout of the 35-year-old’s comments, explaining the two had a “charged” conversation after he learned about the social media post.
The Blue GM said he was angered and upset by the right-hander’s actions but believes the remorse he has shown to be genuine. If he didn’t, however, the veteran hurler would’ve likely received some form of discipline.
#BlueJays GM Ross Atkins said there would’ve been a “different outcome” had he felt Anthony Bass’ apology was inauthentic. Atkins said he was personally hurt by Bass’ actions and that the duo had a “charged” conversation, during which Atkins expressed his disappointment.
#BlueJays GM Ross Atkins says he was angry and disappointed to see Anthony Bass share hateful anti-LGBTQ+ content recently. Asked whether Bass’s comments are a distraction, Atkins said any distraction created is worth spending time on given the importance of inclusion.
Bass met with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste at the Rogers Centre on Tuesday to discuss his hateful comments toward the Pride community, with both coming away from it feeling that it was a productive one-hour conversation.
Atkins echoed a similar sentiment, saying he is confident that Bass is more aware of those affected by his hurtful comments and that he has realized his wrongdoing.
Asked Ross Atkins if he feels Bass has changed his beliefs or only feels remorse for causing this situation: “I do get the sense that the awareness has increased, the enlightenment has occurred, and those are words from him. But to changing his beliefs, I’d rather you ask him.”
The Blue Jays hurler is scheduled to catch the ceremonial first pitch thrown by leZlie Lee Kam, a prominent leader supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community for over 45 years, to kick off this weekend’s fourth annual Pride Weekend at Rogers Centre.
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