4 Officers Walk Out Of WNBA Game Over Players’ Offensive Shirts

During a WNBA Lynx game, four off-duty Minneapolis police officers, who were providing security, walked out in protest over the players’ pre-game shirts that honored victims of police shootings. The black T-shirts displayed the names of Philando Castile, a man killed by police during a traffic stop, and Dallas police officers killed on duty. The back of the shirts bore the words “Black Lives Matter.”

The players explained that the intent behind the shirts was to honor the deceased and advocate for change in racial profiling and violence. The Minneapolis Police Federation reported that the officers had asked the team to remove the shirts, and when the team refused, the officers left.

Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau acknowledged the officers’ frustrations but condemned their actions, emphasizing that officers must adhere to their oath of office even while off-duty. Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges criticized the police federation president’s comments, stating that he did not speak for the city’s management.

ALSO READ

Despite the controversy, the players’ stand highlighted issues of racial profiling and violence, revealing divisions over police reform and the role of athletes in social issues.