Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello suspended by WNBA following ‘inappropriate comment’ about Angel Reese

Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello was suspended one game by the WNBA for an “inappropriate comment” regarding Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese. Reese and the Dream defeated Toronto 111-92 on Friday. A live mic caught Brondello talking about Reese, saying Reese was “a protected species,” while discussing Reese drawing fouls with the officiating crew. However Brondello meant the comment, the league didn’t take too kindly to the coach’s word. “The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the WNBA said in a release. Brondello will serve her suspension Monday vs. the Las Vegas Aces and also issued an apology to Reese, prior to any league action. Angel, I’m sorry,” Brondello wrote on Twitter/X. “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. Angel Reese calls out Sandy Brondello prior to apology “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.” The incident happened when Reese secured an offensive rebound and went to the basket to score against Nyara Sabally. Sabally was called for a foul following contact and Brondello was clearly upset by the call. Prior to the apology, Reese took to Twitter/X herself. She wrote: ARE WE SURPRISED?! (tagging Brondello and adding a clown emoji). For additional context, “protected species” is apparently a common phrase in Australia. Brondello, who is Australian, isn’t the first to use it as pointed out by Sydney Morning Herald columnist Andrew Johns. He used it when writing about rugby halfbacks: “In 2025, halfbacks can now play the game wearing a koala suit — they’ve officially become a protected species.” Funny enough, Brondello actually praised Reese for her abilities prior to the game against Atlanta. “Angel is just so crafty. Her ability to anticipate where the ball’s coming in and her positioning to get offensive rebounds and putbacks is elite,” Brondello said. “That’s why she’s so good at what she does. I think she’s improved her moves off the dribble. They put her in face-ups too, and she’s attacking it.”