Giants fan says he threw banana, but not at Orioles’ Adam Jones

A San Francisco Giants fan has claimed responsibility for throwing a banana on the field during Sunday’s game against Baltimore.

But 42-year-old Alexander Poulides told the San Jose Mercury News that the action wasn’t racially motivated nor was it directed toward Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, as many had been speculating since the African American player tweeted about the incident after the 10-2 Baltimore victory.

“I’m embarrassed and shocked by the outcome,” Poulides said. “In hindsight, I wish I didn’t do it and I apologize. I’m very sorry.”

The Northern California resident said he pulled a banana out of a vendor’s cart and hurled it onto the field in disgust at his team’s performance as he left AT&T; Park late in the game.

Poulides said he didn’t heard about the controversy until turning on the news Monday and immediately contacted the Mercury News to explain and apologize for what he called “an indiscretion.”

According to the newspaper, the Giants still haven’t confirmed the identity of the culprit and plan to continue their investigation. The team also issued an apology to Jones and the Orioles.

As for Jones, he told reporters before the Orioles’ game against Arizona on Monday that he’s ready to put the incident behind him.

“It’s unfortunate that things happen like that, but it ain’t going stop me, myself and the Orioles,” he said. “We have games to win. It’s mid-August. I’ve got a bigger concern in my head than someone’s ignorance or act of whatever. You know what I mean?”

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