New Alex Bregman Cubs controversy draws immediate reaction that's hard to believe

Alex Bregman just can't escape controversy this week. One day after Bregman admitted he should've hustled on a grounder he hit during the Chicago Cubs' victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, the veteran third baseman had a three-run home run against the Padres on Tuesday that suggested the story was ready end.

Instead, it was what Bregman did while running the bases that drew the scrutiny of eagle-eyed Cubs fans. As he was approaching third base, Bregman had a thumbs down gesture that, considering the timing, was suspicious. Bregman was booed during Monday's game against the Padres, and the speculation was that gesture could have been aimed toward the fans.

Adding to the internet controversy, after he crossed home plate, Bregman appeared to look toward the press box and had another thumbs down gesture.

During a time when teams have various hand gestures and celebrating during the season, there was a chance that this controversy was all for nothing. Yet, credit to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, who asked Bregman about the gesture on Wednesday morning.

If there's one thing Bregman hasn't been during his first three months with the Cubs, it's short of words. The fact he offered little context into the gesture gives off the impression that there was someone on the receiving end of that gesture. At the very least, Rogers' impression is that there was some more intent behind the gesture.

Intentional or not, Alex Bregman's controversial week has been self-inflicted

No, it would seem unlikely that we will ever get a clear answer on the meaning behind the gesture. In reality, this certainly is somewhere between nothing and what the New York Mets did in 2021. It's hard to imagine Bregman would be that direct in his response to being booed the night before. Especially when he's been honest about this struggles this season.

Regardless, this is something, like not hustling on a grounder, that Bregman could have easily avoided. If he has a gripe with fans or someone in the press box, take out that frustration behind the scenes. The optics of Bregman blantantly taunting fans or the media while he's been of the biggest disappointments of the season would be a bold choice, and one that doesn't quite match the person the Cubs sold the veteran to be.

Winning and success usually does mask these incidents, and if Bregman is the All-Star version of himself moving forward, this will all be water under the bridge. If not, things could get even worse quickly.

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