According to the Minneapolis Police Federation, the four officers were offended by the shirts, and asked the team officials to get the players to take them off. When the team refused to comply with their wishes, they walked off.
The police federation president, Lt. Bob Kroll, stated, “It’s just a T-shirt, but our officers have been frustrated.”
He called the protest “anti-police” and stated that the Lynx players were buying into a “false narrative” alleging police misconduct.
“They’re wading into waters they shouldn’t be in to begin with. They are professional athletes. Stick with playing ball. People go there to watch the basketball game,” he said.
Janee’ Harteau, Minneapolis Police Chief, stated that she understood the officers’ frustrations, but did not condone their actions. She stated, “Although these officers were working on behalf of the Lynx, when wearing a Minneapolis Police uniform I expect all officers to adhere to our core values and to honor their oath of office. Walking off the job and defaulting on their contractual obligation to provide a service to the Lynx does not conform to the expectations held by the public for the uniform these officers wear.”
Player from the WNBA Lynx team wearing a black T-shirt raising awareness for Philando Castile, Photo Credit: WCCO – CBS Minnesota
