Anthony Bass finally answers for himself on LGBTQ controversy

It took a while, but Toronto Blue Jays beleaguered reliever Anthony Bass has finally faced the music... Or, at least, the media. After originally issuing a short, pre-written, 30-second "apology" with no follow-up questions allowed, Bass has now opened up on his reasons behind sharing a video on social media that supported boycotting LGBTQ-friendly businesses.

And while Bass said he “apologized for any harm, hurt that I made towards the Pride community. Those were never my intentions from the get-go," he sort of doubled-down by denying that his post was hateful.

Bass replied that he did not believe it was hateful, and "that's why I posted it originally. When I look back at it, I can see how people would view it that way and that's why I was apologetic." He explained that he shared the video "because it lined up with my Christian beliefs and values. That's why I liked it, as well." He added that the video's stance on "big corporations targeting young children was what really struck home for me, being a father of two little ones."

Bass met with the Pride Toronto director earlier, and said "He was glad to see that I apologized. He just informed me about the Pride community and a lot of the good things that they're doing to spread awareness and make people feel comfortable with their decisions."

Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins also addressed the situation on Thursday, believing that, among other things, "enlightenment has occurred" for Bass.

In the end, it's doubtful that Bass's latest remarks will do anything to calm the controversy, though the Blue Jays seem to be doing their best to try and smooth things over by giving him a special honour on Friday.

As noted by Keegan Matheson, Bass is set to catch the ceremonial first pitch on Friday to kick off their Pride Weekend.

We suspect that he might be catching more than that, however. Like, a whole lot of heck from Toronto fans.