Anthony Bass and Blue Jays both lose in LGBTQ controversy

Eleven days removed from Anthony Bass posting a video that labelled support for the LGBTQ community as “demonic” and “satanic,” the Jays dropped Bass from the roster. Atkins’ latest comments came 24 hours after he defended Bass during a similar availability. At the time, Atkins said he felt there was “authenticity” to Bass’s apology and that the reliever felt genuine remorse about any hurt he may have caused the LGBTQ community. About 30 minutes later, Bass answered questions on-camera for the first time and contradicted much of what Atkins just said. The Jays spent 11 days protecting a reliever who brought unnecessary attention to the organization because of his bigoted views.