Four off-duty Minneapolis police officers providing security for a WNBA Lynx game walked out in protest because players were wearing pre-game shirts honoring victims of police shootings. The names on the black T-shirts were Philando Castile, a man slain by police during a traffic check, and Dallas police officers who died in the line of duty. The backs of the shirts read, “Black Lives Matter.”

While explaining the purpose of the shirts, the players highlighted their wish to commemorate the fallen and fight for change in racial profiling and violence. According to the Minneapolis Police Federation, the officers requested the players remove their jerseys, and when they refused, they departed.

Minneapolis Police Chief Janee’ Harteau expressed sympathy for the officers’ difficulties but denounced their behavior, adding that police must uphold their oath of office even when they are not on duty. Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges reacted angrily to the police federation president’s remarks, claiming that he did not speak for the city’s administration.

Despite the uproar, the players’ stance highlighted concerns about racial profiling and brutality, as well as divides over police reform and sports’ roles in social issues.