SAN FRANCISCO — Alexander Poulides turned on the news Monday and learned about the outcry surrounding the unidentified Giants fan who threw a banana at Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones.

His heart sank.

“Oh, my god,” Poulides said. “I threw a banana on my way out.”

Poulides, 42, said he grabbed a banana off a catering cart and hurled it toward the field in disgust near the end of the Giants’ 10-2 loss Sunday at AT&T Park. The banana landed near Jones in centerfield. Jones, who is African-American, tweeted about the incident after the game.

As the Giants launched an investigation, Poulides reached The Mercury News via e-mail and subsequent phone call to claim responsibility for what he called “an indiscretion.”

Above all, Poulides stressed repeatedly that the incident was not racially motivated, as some had speculated. His action was not directed at Jones, but at the Giants and their poor performance, he said.

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

The Giants said they were unable to confirm that Poulides was the culprit and were continuing to investigate the incident. In a public statement, the team said: “We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Adam and the entire Orioles organization for this unfortunate incident. The inappropriate actions of this individual in no way reflect the values of our organization and our fans.”

In the team’s statement, the Giants also reiterated the AT&T Park policy regarding fan conduct.

“The Giants have a zero tolerance policy against this type of behavior, which results in immediate ejection from the ballpark. While we have been investigating the matter since we learned of the situation, unfortunately we have been unable to identify the person responsible.”

Jones, 28, is hitting .304 with 24 home runs and 85 RBI. He hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning off Barry Zito on Sunday, just minutes before the banana landed on the field.