Banana Toss Apology: Adam Jones Receives Apology From Alexander Poulides (VIDEO, PHOTO)
A San Francisco Giants fan, who threw a banana at Adam Jones, the Baltimore Orioles center-fielder, has apologized, insisting that his gesture was not racially motivated.
Alexander Poulides, 42, has been found responsible for throwing the banana at Jones, who is African-American. The Giants fan denied that it was racially motivated, telling San Jose Mercury News, "I'm embarrassed and shocked by the outcome."
He explained that he did not throw the banana at Jones because of the color of his skin, but that he threw it in disgust at his team's performance 10-2 loss against the Orioles.
Poulides continued: "In hindsight, I wish I didn't do it and I apologize. I'm very sorry."
The Giants launched an investigation after the incident in which Poulides reportedly threw the banana as he left his seat.
The team released a statement saying, "The Giants have a zero tolerance policy against this type of behavior… We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Adam and the entire Orioles organization for this unfortunate incident. The inappropriate actions of this individual in no way reflect the values of our organization and our fans."
Meanwhlie, Jones took to his Twitter about the incident. "I want to thank whatever **** threw that banana towards my direction in CF in the last inning. Way to show ur class u jack***."
Here is a video report on the banana throwing incident: