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Police officers protest WNBA players wearing Black Lives Matter tops

By Dave Stevenson

July 10, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; A woman holds a "Black Lives Matter" poster during a peace march from the Wesley United Methodist Church to the State Capitol. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause/The Advertiser via USA TODAY NETWORK
July 10, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; A woman holds a "Black Lives Matter" poster during a peace march from the Wesley United Methodist Church to the State Capitol. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause/The Advertiser via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Police officers walked out of a Minnesota Lynx WNBA game after Lynx players wore shirts in warmups that supported Black Lives Matter.

There is a lot of hostility in the world today. A good part of it is due to the killing of innocent African Americans by police officers. Most recently, Philando Castile was shot in Minnesota during a traffic stop and Alton Sterling was shot in Baton Rouge. The Minnesota Lynx, a WNBA team, made a statement as a team by wearing special shirts supporting Black Lives Matter and the police during warmups before their July 9 game against the Dallas Wings.

The police officers who were serving as security detail for the game took offense to the shirt and walked out of the game in protest. Lieutenant Bob Kroll, president of the union that represents those officers, praised the officers for leaving, saying that he commended them for it.

Lynx players released a statement on Tuesday after learning about the walkout and the concerns of the officers, courtesy of USA Today.

"The Lynx and the entire WNBA have been saddened by the recent shootings in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and St. Paul. We continue to urge a constructive discussion about the issues raised by these tragedies."

Later, the Minnesota Police Department released a statement, through its chief Janeé Harteau.

“Although these officers were working on behalf of the Lynx,” said Harteau, via USA Today, “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.”

Athletes are in a very unique position to create change. They are looked up to by many. Even WNBA players are looked up to by female athletes all over the globe. Lynx players made a huge statement with their shirts by showing support for their city while also paying respect to the police who protect and serve their community. They handled it in a very mature manner.

The sports world has been rocked by recent events. And the world needs athletes, owners, coaches, fans, and all people to speak up about the issues. Only then will the world see positive change.

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