The Impact of a Silent Protest at a WNBA Game

During a WNBA Lynx game held in Minneapolis, four off-duty police officers, providing security for the match, walked out of their assignments. The reason for their exit was the players’ choice of attire—black t-shirts bearing the names of two black men who had been victims of police shootings, one of whom was Philando Castile, who tragically lost his life during a routine traffic stop in Minnesota.

The shirt also showcased a Dallas police badge on the back, a homage to five Dallas police officers who were slain on duty, and the potent phrase, “Black Lives Matter.” The players explained during a pre-game press conference that they wore the shirts as a tribute to the deceased and as a call for reform.

Police Response to the Silent Protest

The police officers took offense to the shirts, demanding team officials to insist the players remove them. However, the team remained steadfast in their decision not to comply. Police Federation President Lt. Bob Kroll labeled the silent protest as “anti-police” and accused the Lynx players of accepting an “untrue narrative” surrounding police misconduct. Kroll suggested that the players should focus on their game, stating that attendees were there to enjoy basketball, not politics.

Minneapolis Police Chief Janee’ Harteau empathized with the officers’ concerns but did not support their actions. According to Harteau, all officers donning the Minneapolis Police uniform should adhere to its core values and respect their oath of office.

She criticized the officers for abandoning their professional duties, arguing that such behavior didn’t align with the public’s expectations. Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges chimed in with a Facebook post, categorizing Kroll’s remarks about the Lynx as offensive, clarifying that his views didn’t represent hers concerning the Lynx or any other topic.

A Wave of Solidarity and Awareness

Despite the controversy, the Lynx players persisted in their silent protest, wearing the shirts during their next game’s warm-up. In an act of solidarity, other WNBA teams followed suit, sporting similar attire. This incident brought renewed attention to the pressing issues of police-community relations, racial profiling, and unnecessary violence.

By leveraging their platform, the Lynx players highlighted these critical societal challenges, sparking dialogues, and motivating others to voice their concerns and demand change.

The incident serves as a reminder of the profound impact professional athletes can make in raising awareness and calling for social reform.