Flyers' Wayne Simmonds Issues Statement About Banana Peel Incident

The Philadelphia Flyers faced off against the Detroit Red Wings in an exhibition game last night in London Ontario, Canada. For the Flyers, it was their third straight night playing a preseason game.

The Flyers wound up losing the game in shootout by a final score of 4-3, however, it wasn't the score or outcome that really mattered. Rather, it was an incident that occurred as newly acquired Wayne Simmonds began to skate in on goal during a shootout attempt that has made headlines.

Wayne Simmonds came over to the Flyers from the LA Kings in the Mike Richards deal. Simmonds is a black player, which everyone knows is not the most common thing in the NHL.

As Simmonds skated toward the net, last night, someone in the crowd through a banana peel in his path. The intention of the action was obviously to cause Simmonds to trip, and was perceived as an act of racism by Simmonds, Flyers' Officials and NHL officials.

How in the world in 2011 does something like this happen? It is unfathomable to me that some people can still be so small-minded. It's even worse that these people tend to ruin it for the rest of world who aren't bigoted jackasses.

As expected, Wayne Simmonds, who scored on the shot despite the banana peel, issued a statement in response to the incident:

“It was unfortunate that this incident happened but I am above this sort of stuff. This is something that is obviously out of my control. Moving forward, this incident is something that I will no longer comment on so I can just focus playing hockey for the Philadelphia Flyers.” Simmonds said in his statement.

At least someone in this mess understands how to conduct himself with class and dignity.