A WNBA Lynx game in Minneapolis took an unexpected turn when four off-duty officers from the Minneapolis Police Department suddenly walked off their security posts. This move followed a powerful statement made by the Lynx players through their pre-game outfits, which sparked mixed reactions.
The Lynx players wore black T-shirts featuring the names of two Black men, including Philando Castile, who was killed by police in Minnesota. The shirts also honored five Dallas police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, displaying a Dallas police badge on the back. The phrase “Black Lives Matter” was across the shirts, showing the players’ support for social justice and reform.
At a press conference before the game, Rebekkah Brunson, a Lynx star, shared her own experience of being racially profiled, saying, “What is happening today is not new. Racial profiling is a problem. Senseless violence is a problem.” The players wanted to honor the lives lost while pushing for systemic reforms in both the Black community and law enforcement.
The players’ message led to a strong response from four off-duty officers working the game. Offended by the shirts, they asked team officials to have the players remove them. When the team refused, the officers chose to leave their posts in protest. Lt. Bob Kroll, president of the Minneapolis Police Federation, criticized the players, calling their protest “anti-police” and accusing them of spreading a “false narrative” about law enforcement.
This move sparked debate within the Minneapolis Police Department and beyond. Police Chief Janee’ Harteau condemned the officers’ decision to walk off, saying it didn’t meet the public’s expectations. Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges also criticized the officers, making it clear that their views didn’t reflect hers or the city’s stance.
The incident reignited debates about activism in sports, showing how athletes’ influence can address important social issues but also create controversy.
