Adam Jones, the Baltimore Orioles centerfielder, had a banana tossed onto the field near him by a San Francisco Giants fan on Sunday, prompting speculation that the gesture was racially motivated because Jones is African-American. Not so, said the regretful Giants fan.
After the Giants' launched an investigation into the matter, Alexander Poulides, the 42-year-old fan responsible, came forward and admitted to the throwing the banana onto the field.
Poulides later spoke with the San Jose Mercury News about the incident. He called it "an indiscretion" and denied it was racially motivated.
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"I'm embarrassed and shocked by the outcome,'' the Northern California resident told the San Jose Mercury News. "In hindsight, I wish I didn't do it and I apologize. I'm very sorry."
Poulides further claimed that it was not the color of Jones' skin that motivated the banana throwing during the ninth inning of play, but rather it was disgust over his team's performance and the Orioles 10 – 2 romp over the Giants at San Francisco's AT&T, the San Jose Mercury News reported.
Poulides reportedly threw the banana as he exited his seat, before leaving the ballpark.
Despite Poulides' coming forward, the Giants franchise said it will continue to investigate the matter.
"The Giants have a zero tolerance policy against this type of behavior, which
results in immediate ejection from the ballpark," a statement from the team said, CNN reported. "While we have been investigating the matter since we learned of the situation, unfortunately we have been unable to identify the person responsible.
"We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Adam and the entire Orioles organization for this unfortunate incident," the Giants statement continued. "The inappropriate actions of this individual in no way reflect the values of our organization and our fans."
Jones also weighed into the matter on his Twitter feed Sunday night writing:
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"I want to thank whatever (expletive) threw that banana towards my direction in CF in the last inning," he posted. "Way to show ur class u jackass."
The 28-year Jones, who hit a three-run homerun at the top of the ninth inning to help clinch the victory, has played in the majors for eight years, during which time he has a
career batting average of .281 with 131 homeruns and 458 runs batted in, ESPN reported.
The 6 foot 3 inch, 225 pound ball player is also a food enthusiast and dog lover according to his Twitter page.
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