The WNBA has suspended Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello for calling Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese “a protected species” during their recent game. Hours after Brondello issued an apology, the league issued her a one-game suspension.
On Friday (July 17), Toronto played Atlanta and during the game, Toronto’s Nyara Sabally fouled Reese after an offensive rebound.
As officials reviewed the call, microphones picked up on Brondello yelling at the referees. The mics also captured Brondello yelling, “Angel, she’s a protected species!” The game ended with the Dream beating the Tempo 111-92. As Brondello’s comments went viral, Reese reacted on X. A social user wrote, “Calling a Black woman a species…” Reese replied, “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello 
.”
Brondello ended up issuing an apology on Saturday (July 18). She wrote on X:
“Angel, I’m sorry. Last night, in the emotion of the moment after Nyara’s injury, I used a phrase that I shouldn’t have used, and I take full responsibility for that. My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you. I also understand that my words carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league, and I’m deeply sorry for that. I’ve spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible Black women. I regret that my words caused hurt to a community I respect so deeply. I have a lot of respect for you as both a player and a person, and I sincerely apologize to you, your teammates, and the Dream organization for my comment.”
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In the comments, some users debated about the remark. While some called it racist, others said it was taken out of context. Some said the phrase “protected species” is simply basketball slang and not an insult. Another argument claimed Brondello, who is an Australian native, used the phrase which is also an idiom in the culture.
Hours after Brondello’s apology, the WNBA announced it was suspending the coach for one game, without pay. The announcement read:
“Toronto Tempo Head Coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended without pay for one game for an inappropriate comment she made regarding Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Dream yesterday in Toronto. Brondello will serve her suspension Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces. The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.”
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