Man charged in NHL banana tossing

Honestly, I can see it being a mistake. I didn't know a banana carried racial implications until someone explained it to me. It could be that this "gentleman" was so far removed from racism that he didn't understand the underlying implications of such an action. Also, for me anyways, a banana is the easiest fruit to carry around, as it peels easy (Unlike those damn oranges) and doesn't get stuck in your teeth (Unlike those damn apple skins!). I mean, honestly, who would bring a banana to a hockey game, with the hope that the one black player would get a shootout opportunity, wherein you could throw that banana?
That's my objective view anyways.
Personally, throw the book at him!

I'd love to know where the banana came from. Seems to me the guy brought it or bought it purely for that purpose. Not saying he's necessarily a racist, but I have no doubt this was about race. I just have a feeling it was on a bet and he's taking the fall instead of implicating his friend. The fact that he throws a banana on the ice when it's a shootout that involves a black guy is far from simply coincidental and in my opinion is beyond a reasonable doubt a hate crime. A ridiculous one, but one, nonetheless.

So yeah, the chances of the black player getting a shootout opportunity is slim but it still doesn't excuse the action. To say he brought the banana on purpose just to do that wouldn't surprise me. Who brings a banana to a hockey game.
I see a ton of racism in the locker room. Yeah, ice hockey is predominately filled with white players. When the black player steps out of the locker room, more times than not, a racist remark is made.

Anyway, I am interested to hear the result of this case. I was a cop. Turd muffins usually have a prior record or are working on one.