WNBA coach Brondello suspended over inappropriate comment at Angel Reese

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing AP, reported that the WNBA suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello for one game after an inappropriate remark directed toward Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese during Friday’s game. The league announced the discipline on Saturday, saying coaches and team staff are expected to meet standards of professionalism and respect. Brondello is set to miss Toronto’s Monday matchup against the Las Vegas Aces.

The incident occurred during Toronto’s 111-92 loss to Atlanta. According to the report, game audio captured Brondello speaking to officials after Tempo player Nyara Sabally was injured following contact with Reese. Sabally was assessed a foul, and Brondello was heard referring to Reese as a “protected species.” Reese later posted on social media in response, tagging Brondello’s account.

Brondello apologized on social media Saturday, saying she had used a phrase she should not have and accepted responsibility. She said her frustration had been with the officiating, but acknowledged that her words shifted attention unfairly to Reese and had an impact beyond her intent, particularly for Black women in the league. She apologized to Reese, her teammates and the Dream organization.

The report noted that Brondello, an Australian coach in her first season with the expansion Tempo, comes from a sports culture where the phrase can be used to complain that a player receives favorable treatment from officials. In a U.S. context, however, the wording can be understood as dehumanizing and racially derogatory. Brondello has been a WNBA head coach since 2014 and has won championships with Phoenix and New York.