Officers Walk Out Over Lynx Players’ Shirts

During a WNBA Lynx game in Minneapolis, four off-duty police officers, hired to provide security, left their posts. The players had worn black t-shirts with the names of two Black men, including Philando Castile, shot by police. The back of the shirts featured a Dallas police badge to honor five officers killed on duty, along with the words “Black Lives Matter.” The players explained that the shirts were meant to honor the dead and call for change, which they discussed in a pre-game press conference.

Police Reaction to the Shirts

The officers were offended by the shirts and asked the team to have the players remove them. However, the team refused. Lt. Bob Kroll, president of the police federation, called the shirts “anti-police,” claiming the Lynx were supporting a “false narrative” about police misconduct. He added that the players should focus on basketball, as fans came to watch the game.

Response from Police Leadership

Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau acknowledged the officers’ frustrations but did not support their decision to walk off the job. She emphasized that officers in uniform must uphold core values and their oath, adding that abandoning their duties was not in line with public expectations. Mayor Betsy Hodges also criticized Kroll’s comments, calling them inappropriate and stating that he didn’t speak for her.

Continued Support and Solidarity

Despite the controversy, the Lynx players continued wearing the shirts during warm-ups at their next game. Other WNBA teams joined in solidarity, wearing similar shirts. This incident highlighted issues like police-community relations and racial profiling. The Lynx players used their platform to raise awareness, sparking important conversations and encouraging others to speak out.