[RansomOttawa]

No, it is not “free speech.” They were in uniform, on the clock. They were employees at work. They represent their employers and have no right to speak on controversial issues in these circumstances.

Assuming the league or team management weren't also in on it, anyway.

Either way, however, the police are agents of the government, and have no right to tell them what to say.

[SoothingDave]

Police officers, as individuals and not in an official capacity, have every right to also express their opinions. The same right NFL players have when they are not acting as official representatives of their employers.