Minneapolis cops leave Target Center jobs over Lynx shirts

The Minneapolis Lynx took a stand, and it didn't sit well with a few local police officers.

Four off-duty cops working Saturday's game at the Target Center walked off their job after the Lynx wore T-shirts honoring Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, according to the Star Tribune's Randy Furst. Castile and Sterling lost their lives last week after being shot by police in Minneapolis and Baton Rouge, respectively.

Lynx players wore shirts that read, "Change starts with us" and "Justice & Accountability." They also held a press conference denouncing the Castile and Sterling shootings, and the events in Dallas, where police officers were targeted and five killed.

The backs of the T-shirts had an image of the Dallas police logo, along with "Black Lives Matter."

The four officers weren't identified, but have the support of the Minneapolis Police Federation. They have removed themselves from working future Lynx games.

"I commend them for it," president and Lt. Bob Kroll said.

Kroll added that the officers were working on independent contracts at Lynx games and have the choice whether to work the events or not. He was critical of Lynx players, as well.

"Rushing to judgement before the facts are in is unwarranted and reckless," Kroll said.

The players cited a "longstanding problem of racial profiling" as the root of the Castile and Sterling killings.