The Women’s National Basketball Association suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello for one game over an Angel Reese comment.
Brondello will serve her suspension on Monday, July 20, when the Tempo (10-15) takes on the Las Vegas Aces (17-7) in Toronto.
The incident occurred during the Atlanta Dream vs Tempo game on Friday, which Atlanta won 111-92. Late in the fourth quarter, Toronto’s Nyara Sabally fouled Reese after an offensive rebound.
Brondello challenged the call, arguing that Reese had elbowed Sabally in the ribs. But no foul was called against Reese.
An angry Brondello lashed out at the refs, saying, “Angel, she’s a protected species!”
WNBA Coach Sandy Brondello called Angel Reese a “protected species” during the game and later issued an apology pic.twitter.com/TVDn1BZXph
— IG: olesoul57.2 ?? 5/12 (@olesoul57_2) July 18, 2026
Brondello is a native Australian. Tempo fans say that Australians use the term “protected species” when referring to athletes who receive preferential treatment from the refs.
However, in the context that Brondello used the word “species,” it seems that she was comparing Reese to an animal.
After the game, Brondello apologized profusely to Reese on X.com. She put the emphasis on Reese’s race and the fact that the WNBA is majority Black.
“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.”
In a statement, Reese, of the Atlanta Dream (16-10), said she is “grateful” for Brondello’s apology.
“There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone — from fans to coaches to players. And I’m just grateful that we are able to move on from the situation and just play winning basketball. The WNBA is supposed to be positive and we are going in a great light right now, so I just want to continue that and move forward.”
Brondello lost her job as head coach of the New York Liberty in 2025 after four seasons. She is the first head coach of the Toronto Tempo. The Tempo played its first-ever game in May 2026.