The fan who threw a banana in the direction of Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones has come forward and apologized, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
Jones tweeted about the event Monday which sparked controversy since throwing as banana at an African American (or calling them a monkey) is a racially-offensive action.
Forty-two year old Alexander Pouildes said he didn’t realize the magnitude of what he had done.
"Oh, my [gosh],'' Pouildes said. "I threw a banana on my way out."
Once he learned what he had done he contacted the news outlet and took the blame for the “indiscretion.”
He also maintains he was not trying to racially offend anyone. Pouildes said he was instead displeased with the Giants subpar play and threw the banana in frustration.
Jones (.304/24 HR/85 RBI) had a hit a homerun in the top of the ninth inning off Giants pitcher Barry Zito before the banana was thrown in the bottom of the inning.
"I'm embarrassed and shocked by the outcome,'' he said. "In hindsight, I wish I didn't do it and I apologize. I'm very sorry."
The Giants said they were not able to prove Poulides was the person who threw the banana.
"We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Adam and the entire Orioles organization for this unfortunate incident,” said the Giants in a statement. “The inappropriate actions of this individual in no way reflect the values of our organization and our fans.
“The Giants have a zero tolerance policy against this type of behavior, which results in immediate ejection from the ballpark.”
The team said they were not able to identify Pouildes as the person who committed the act.
