Man charged in banana-throwing incident involving Flyers? Simmonds
Philadelphia Flyers player Wayne Simmonds(notes) remained in the news Wednesday, but news of a different nature than the alleged homophobic slur he called another player in a preseason game on Monday.
The latest news involving Simmonds comes out of London, Ontario, Canada, where Chris Moorhouse, 26, was issued a summons for one count of engaging in a prohibited activity under the provincial trespassing act. Moorhouse allegedly threw a banana onto the ice near where Simmonds was at during a preseason game last Thursday between the Flyers and Detroit Red Wings at London's John Labatt Centre .
London police chief Brad Duncan said in a press conference on Wednesday that while Moorhouse could face a fine of up to $2,000, his actions did not legally fall under the Canadian statutes for a hate crime or mischief. Moorhouse, who is black, reportedly threw the banana as Simmonds closed in on Detroit's goal, where he eventually scored.
In a unique twist to the investigation, social media use of services such as Facebook and Twitter were utilized by police, with several witnesses and observers coming forward with information that pointed towards Moorhouse.
"Clearly, the incident became the focus of the local community and across the national and international plane," Duncan said. "Mr. Moorhouse has expressed remorse for his actions."
Simmonds issued a statement the following day calling the event "unfortunate."
A court date has not been set, but Moorhouse has retained a lawyer, officials said.
