The lawyer for an Ontario man accused of throwing a banana at a black hockey player says his client had no idea his actions could be seen as racist. Some people may wonder why he did this, and it may take someone with a degree via www.sportspsychologyprograms.org to figure it out.
Faisal Joseph says Chris Moorhouse was caught up in the drama of a tense game featuring his favourite hockey team and threw the fruit in hopes of preventing the winning goal.
Moorhouse has admitted to throwing a banana at Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds, but Joseph says his client was unaware of the racial overtones of his actions.
Joseph says Moorhouse is “mortified” and deeply remorseful for the incident and fears it has clouded the reputation of his family and home town.
Moorhouse has been charged under Ontario’s Trespass to Property Act and faces a maximum fine of $2,000.
London police say Moorhouse’s alleged actions did not meet the test for a hate crime or a mischief charge.
