Blue Jays Player Sparks Controversy Over Social Media Posts
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander faces backlash for sharing posts about Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate win, sparking political debate.
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Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Anthony Santander is facing backlash after sharing social media posts that sparked controversy following the U.S. midterm elections. The 32-year-old Venezuelan player reposted content that drew criticism, including claims like ‘America voted for Sharia Last Night!’ and ‘Islam is not peaceful,’ after Michigan Socialist Democrat Abdulrahman El-Sayed won a Senate race against Republican Mike Rogers.
El-Sayed’s Victory and Controversial Remarks
El-Sayed, the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate, celebrated his win by transforming the phrase ‘inshallah’—meaning ‘God willing’—into ‘hamdulillah,’ which translates to ‘thank God.’ This moment of celebration, however, led to Santander’s posts being scrutinized by critics who took issue with his commentary.
Blue Jays Respond to Player’s Comments
In response to the backlash, the Blue Jays issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity, stating that ‘Baseball is for everyone’ and that individual comments do not represent the organization’s values. Santander, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract before the 2025 season, has been on the injured list for much of his time in Toronto, appearing in only 54 games and missing all of the 2026 season following shoulder surgery.
El-Sayed’s Political Stance and Past Controversies
El-Sayed, a socialist, has previously called for a government-run health insurance system and described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. His campaign also received support from prominent figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. However, his political career has been marked by controversy, including a previously unknown trip to Colombia in 2022 where he met with nonprofit CEOs linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sayed has repeatedly denied accusations of ties to the group, calling them ‘anti-Muslim.’
Political Debate Over El-Sayed’s Allegations
On Election Night, commentator Joe Scarborough of MS NOW called the criticism of El-Sayed ‘Islam phobia,’ highlighting the ongoing political debate surrounding his candidacy. As the U.S. continues to grapple with its political landscape, the controversy surrounding Santander’s posts and El-Sayed’s role in the Senate underscores the growing intersection of sports and politics.
Source: Breitbart
