The Toronto Blue Jays have responded to Islamophobic Instagram posts made by outfielder Anthony Santander directed at Abdul El-Sayed, according to a report from Awful Announcing on Friday.
The controversy involves Santander, who joined the Blue Jays in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles earlier this year. The team issued a statement addressing the offensive social media activity, though specific details of the posts and the club's disciplinary response were not immediately disclosed.
Abdul El-Sayed, a physician, epidemiologist, and former Detroit health director, has been a public figure in Michigan politics and public health advocacy. The incident marks the latest in a series of social media controversies involving professional athletes across major North American sports leagues.
The Blue Jays organization has not announced whether Santander will face suspension, fines, or mandatory sensitivity training as a result of the posts. Major League Baseball typically reviews such matters under its personal conduct policy.
