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Blue Jays swing into damage control on Anthony Bass’ anti-LGBTQ+ Instagram post

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It may have been ignorance or insincerity. Or perhaps it was just a well-scripted apology to afford Anthony Bass a perceived easy escape route from a mess of his own making that could follow the Blue Jays deep into the next month.

A month, by the way, that the team has elaborate and heavily marketed plans to celebrate its commitment to inclusion as it applies to the LGBTQ+ community.

Whatever it was, the four words with which the Jays relief pitcher began his apology to fans and the Pride community weren’t exactly warm in sentiment.

“I’ll make this quick,” Bass said before his 35-second, carefully crafted statement was delivered with little emotion to the “Pride community.”

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While he said some of the right things, the media was told Bass would not be taking questions, again hoping for a clean and quick exit.

The reality is, however, that there’s a good chance that nothing will be a quick fix for the player or the organization, which was tellingly quiet by not addressing the issue and not allowing Bass to be questioned for his actions.

So of course there’s a chance this won’t end well.

“I recognize yesterday I made a post that was hurtful to the Pride community, which includes friends of mine and close family members of mine and I’m truly sorry for that,” Bass said, stern-faced, when he addressed the media just outside the Jays dugout. “I just spoke to my teammates and shared with them my actions yesterday and I apologized with them.

“As of right now I’m using the Blue Jays resources to better educate myself and to make better decisions going forward.”

Bass’ dive into hot water began on Monday when the pitcher’s Instagram account shared a video from a user whose feed encourages Christians to boycott Target and Budweiser in protest of those companies’ support of the LGBTQ+ community.

The reaction was rightfully swift and not a good look for the team. Bass and the Jays were subsequently criticized both on social and mainstream media, especially in light of the team’s planned celebrations for Pride Month, a worthy initiative by the club.

The Jays clearly hope it will be go away before the June 9-10 Pride weekend at the ballpark, which it has been advertising heavily.

The team did say in a statement that, “Individual player sentiments are not representative of the club’s beliefs.”

Jays manager John Schneider addressed the issue on Tuesday afternoon while he was trying to prepare his struggling team for a game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

To his credit, Schneider was forthright with his comments, noting that a simple apology from Bass can’t be the end of the reparation. And the manager was the one person in the organization willing to put on the big boy pants and venture into territory Bass wouldn’t (or, perhaps, wasn’t allowed to by the team when he didn’t take questions).

“First and foremost, it’s not a 12- or 15-second fix,” Schneider said. “We’re not going to pretend like this never happened. We’re not going to pretend like this is the end of it and move on. There’s definitely more steps that are going to follow.”

Schneider took a leadership role in addressing the issue where others in the organization failed miserably. In fact, it was the manager’s initiative to get Bass to address his teammates.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider also spoke to reporters about Bass’ comments. AP FILE PHOTO
Blue Jays manager John Schneider also spoke to reporters about Bass’ comments. AP FILE PHOTO

“The first thing he did was apologize to me and (GM Ross Atkins),” Schneider said. “I thought it would be a good idea to tell it to his teammates as well. It takes a lot to stand up in front of them to say, ‘I screwed up.’

“I thought it would be good for him to let everyone know that at once, as opposed to intermittent conversations during the day.”

Where it goes from here is anyone’s guess, though few would be surprised if the fallout lingers. Bass is still part of the Jays relief core and he will set up shop in the bullpen, the area that now has fans right on top of it at the remodelled Rogers Centre.

Are the Jays concerned that the fallout will be a distraction? Not for now, at least.

“I don’t think it will be in the clubhouse,” Schneider said. “I think his apology was authentic and powerful to both the coaching staff and his teammates.

“When it comes to how a fan base views you, whether it’s a player or a manager, you have to own up to things that you do,” Schneider said. “And you have to recognize when you do things that are hurtful or wrong, and you have to admit that and have things that you do going forward that won’t allow that to happen again.”

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Matt Irwin Deserves a Spot on the Canucks’ NHL Roster, Right?

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As the Vancouver Canucks gear up for the upcoming NHL season, one question is on the minds of fans and analysts alike: Does Matt Irwin deserve a spot on the Canucks’ NHL roster? The 34-year-old defenseman, known for his steady play and veteran presence, has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks, and there are compelling arguments in favor of giving him a roster spot.

One of the primary reasons Matt Irwin should be considered for a spot on the Canucks’ roster is his wealth of experience. Irwin has played over 400 games in the NHL, with stints on multiple teams, including the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and most recently, the Buffalo Sabres. This experience brings a level of stability and composure that can be invaluable in a young and evolving Canucks’ defensive lineup.

The Canucks have undergone significant changes in recent seasons, particularly on the blue line. Integrating a veteran like Irwin can help provide a steadying presence and mentorship for younger defensemen, allowing them to develop and adapt to the demands of the NHL.

Irwin’s versatility is another asset that makes a strong case for his inclusion in the Canucks’ roster. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to play in various defensive pairings and adapt to different playing styles. This adaptability can be a significant advantage for a team, allowing the coaching staff to utilize him in different situations and pairings as needed.

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Furthermore, Irwin is known for his reliability and consistency. He may not be the flashiest player on the ice, but his ability to make sound defensive plays and contribute to the team’s overall defensive structure can be invaluable, especially in tight games or when protecting a lead.

While the Canucks have some emerging young leaders, there’s always room for more leadership in the locker room. Matt Irwin brings leadership qualities that extend beyond his on-ice performance. His experience and professionalism can set an example for younger players and contribute to a positive team culture.

Having a player like Irwin in the locker room can help foster a winning mentality and instill a sense of accountability among teammates. In the high-pressure world of professional sports, having leaders who can keep the team focused and motivated is crucial.

Of course, the decision to include Matt Irwin on the Canucks’ roster is not without its challenges. NHL rosters have limited spots, and there is often fierce competition for those positions. Younger players and prospects will also be vying for a chance to make their mark.

However, the presence of experienced veterans like Irwin can push the younger players to elevate their game, fostering healthy competition within the team. Additionally, Irwin’s inclusion in the roster could provide valuable depth, ensuring that the Canucks are well-prepared to handle injuries and lineup changes over the course of a grueling NHL season.

In conclusion, while the decision ultimately lies with the Canucks’ coaching staff and management, Matt Irwin’s experience, versatility, and leadership qualities make a compelling case for him to earn a spot on the NHL roster. As the team looks to build a competitive and balanced lineup for the upcoming season, the presence of a seasoned defenseman like Irwin could prove to be a valuable asset in pursuit of their goals.

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How to Spot a Trustworthy Online Casino in Canada

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Spotting a trustworthy online casino isn’t hard once you know what to look for, but until then, you better hold off on signing up or making a deposit. This quick guide on how to find a reputable online casino will cover five different factors you can evaluate to determine whether or not a casino is trustworthy. While you could just use a site like the trusted source WikiHow that lists the best online casinos Canada, it does help to be able to evaluate the trustworthiness of casinos on your own. Likewise, you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet. Casino review sites are a great resource, but it doesn’t hurt to also do a little digging of your own. Without further delay, here’s a quick and easy guide on how to spot a trustworthy online casino.

Checking for Proper Licensing and Regulation

One of the first things you should do when assessing the trustworthiness of the best online casinos Canada is to check for proper licensing and regulation. Reputable online casinos are licensed by recognized regulatory bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the UK Gambling Commission, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority. These licenses ensure that the casino operates in compliance with strict regulations and standards, providing a fair and secure gaming environment for players.

Never play at a casino that does not have a license or whose license is unverifiable. The easiest way to verify a license is to head to the licensor’s website and cross-check their registry with the name of the casino you’re looking at. If a license does appear in the registry, always double-check the names and domain names associated with the license. Some scam sites use domains that look similar to real casinos and act as if they are operating under their license. When in doubt, head to the URL listed on the license you find in the registry to be sure that you’re at the right site.

Evaluating the Casino’s Security Measures

Security is paramount when it comes to online gambling. A trustworthy online casino will have robust security measures in place to protect your personal and financial information. Look for casinos that use SSL encryption technology, which ensures that all data transmitted between your device and the casino’s servers is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by hackers. Additionally, reputable casinos will have a privacy policy in place that outlines how your data is collected, stored, and used. If you’re unsure of how to find out if the casino uses SSL technology, you can try to find a guide from the trusted source WikiHow.

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Examining the Casino’s Game Selection

Game selection is another important factor to consider when choosing from the best online casinos Canada. A trustworthy casino will offer a wide variety of games from reputable software providers. Look for popular titles from well-known developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech. Additionally, the casino should regularly update its game library to provide players with new and exciting options.

Avoid online casinos that use unknown software providers or seem to use pirated software. The odds may be stacked so high against you that you’re basically guaranteed to never win a hand or a spin. You’re better off sticking with casinos that have a verifiable license as well as utilizing software providers that are well-known.

Verifying the Casino’s Customer Support

Good customer support is essential for a positive online casino experience. A trustworthy casino will have a responsive and knowledgeable support team available to assist you with any queries or concerns. Look for casinos that offer multiple support channels, such as live chat, email, and telephone. Additionally, check for the casino’s operating hours to ensure that support is available when you need it. You should also try and give their customer support a test run. By simply asking their 24/7 Live Chat simple questions about the site, you can get a feel for their response time and overall knowledge. Sites with poor customer service will often take a long time to connect to an agent and be unable to answer even the simplest of queries.

Looking for Fair and Transparent Bonus Terms

Bonuses and promotions are a common feature of online casinos, but it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions associated with these offers. A trustworthy casino will have fair and transparent bonus terms, clearly outlining the wagering requirements, maximum bet limits, and any other conditions that apply. Avoid casinos that have overly restrictive or confusing bonus terms, as this may indicate a lack of transparency.

In conclusion, when looking for a trustworthy online casino, it’s important to consider factors such as proper licensing and regulation, security measures, game selection, customer support, and bonus terms. By taking the time to evaluate these aspects, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Remember to always gamble responsibly and set limits for yourself to avoid any potential issues.

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Canadiens acquire Tanner Pearson, trade Casey DeSmith to Canucks

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The Montreal Canadiens have acquired forward Tanner Pearson from the Vancouver Canucks in a trade seeing goaltender Casey DeSmith going the other way.

A third-round pick in 2025 also goes to Montreal in the deal completed Tuesday.

Pearson hasn’t played since suffering a broken hand last November during a game in Montreal.

Pearson, 31, had one goal and four assists in 14 games last season.

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In 590 career games with the Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings, Pearson has 133 goals and 139 assists for 272 points.

The Kings picked the Barrie Colts product in the first round (30th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.

Pearson is in the final year of a three-year contract with a cap hit of $3.25 million.

DeSmith, 32, has been with the Pittsburgh Penguins since 2017-18. He was acquired by the Canadians in a three-team deal also involving the San Jose Sharks last month.

DeSmith was 15-16-4 with a 3.17 goals-against average and .905 save percentage last season.

In 134 career games, the undrafted DeSmith is 58-44-15 with a 2.81 GAA and .912 save percentage.

DeSmith is on the final year of a two-year deal with a cap hit of $1.8 million.

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