During a WNBA Lynx match, four off-duty Minneapolis police officers providing security left in protest as players wore pre-game black T-shirts honoring victims of police shootings, displaying names like Philando Castile. The shirts bore “Black Lives Matter” on the back. Players aimed to honor the deceased and advocate for change in racial profiling and violence.
Minneapolis Police Federation reported the officers requested removal of the shirts; when denied, they departed. Minneapolis Police Chief, Janee’ Harteau, understood officers’ frustration but criticized their actions, stating that the oath of office applies even off-duty. Minneapolis Mayor, Betsy Hodges, disagreed with the police federation president, asserting he didn’t represent the city’s management. The players’ stance illuminated racial profiling and violence issues, highlighting divisions over police reform and athletes’ roles in societal matters.
