The 9/11 events mark one of the darkest chapters in the history of humanity. And MLB, with its two leading teams based in New York, is also sensitive about remembering this day. Mike Piazza’s home run on September 21, 2001, in the first professional sporting event in New York after the attack on the World Trade Center, is still fresh in many fans’ memories. But this year, the tributes were disrupted by a Red Sox player’s seemingly offensive social media post.

Every year, the New York teams pay heartfelt tribute to the victims of the attack, as well as honor the first responders who saved multiple lives on that fateful day. That was the case this year as well, and even President Trump was present for the tribute at Yankee Stadium. Amid these outpourings, one player’s mistimed post on social media created a massive stir amongst the fans.

So, who’s the culprit? Boston Red Sox’s Alex Bregman. MLB insider KutterIsKing reposted a photo shared by Jordan Leandre. It shows Bregman doing an Airplane celly pose, and shared the same with no caption on his Instagram on 11th September. And the optics do not look good. Even if Bregman may not have meant it to be, but the fans found it offensive.

For context, Bregman posted this after the Red Sox’s series win against the Athletics. Hence, it was likely just a celebratory post. The Red Sox are neck and neck with the Yankees for second place in the AL East. They’re sitting third only because they’ve got the same points but two more losses. That’s why their series win over the A’s feels so important.

Although Bregman’s post was unintentional, it did rub many fans the wrong way, and understandably so. And they didn’t mince words, reacting to this mishap.

Alex Bregman suddenly sits at the receiving end

Well, the majority of the fans are not calling out Bregman for posting insensitive posts, but for his poor timing. “TERRIBLE TIMING,” one fan shared. Another fan echoed a similar sentiment, “It’s just terrible timing tbh.” Yes, his gesture itself wasn’t really the problem, but it just landed on a day when that particular pose carried a much heavier meaning for so many people. In other words, nothing malicious from Bregman, just unfortunate timing.

“Okay, so we are glorifying national tragedies now; we have surpassed levels.” As previously alluded to, Bregman’s post wasn’t intentional. Despite that, many fans saw this as a mockery of a tragedy. The fact that this was posted by a Red Sox player just added to the outrage.

Comments like “Reminds me of that tragedy,” and “That’s not something to be proud of,” are further proof that not all fans are buying into the “Wrong-timing” explanation. The reactions conclude that players should be really mindful of what they put out on their social media platforms, or else risk facing the wrath of fans.