What to know
- Sandy Brondello apologized to Reese on X, saying she used a phrase she “shouldn’t have used” and took full responsibility.
- The coach was caught on a live microphone referring to Reese as a “protected species” while disputing a foul call.
- Brondello acknowledged that her words had an impact beyond her intentions, particularly for Black women in the WNBA.
- The WNBA suspended Brondello without pay for Toronto’s July 20 game against the Las Vegas Aces.
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has apologized to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese after acknowledging that a comment she made during Friday night’s game had an impact “beyond what I intended,” particularly for Black women in the WNBA.
“Angel, I’m sorry,” Brondello wrote in a statement posted to X on Saturday. “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,” she continued.
The apology came after Brondello was caught on a live microphone referring to Reese as a “protected species” while arguing with officials during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Dream in Toronto.
The incident happened late in the fourth quarter when Reese drove toward the basket against Toronto centre Nyara Sabally. Sabally was called for a foul before falling to the court and clutching her midsection.
The Tempo later confirmed that Sabally had suffered a rib injury and was unable to return to the game.
As Sabally received medical attention, the broadcast picked up Brondello expressing her frustration with the call and saying, “Angel, she’s a protected species.”
Reese responded after the game by sharing a clip of the moment on X and writing, “ARE WE SURPRISED?!” while tagging Brondello and adding a clown emoji.
In the second part of her apology, Brondello acknowledged how her language could affect Black players and fans beyond the moment itself.
“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,” she wrote. “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.”
Hours after Brondello issued the apology, the WNBA announced that it had suspended her without pay for one game over what the league described as an “inappropriate comment.”
“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the league said.
Brondello will serve the suspension on Monday, July 20, when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces.
