Toronto Tempo coach apologises for 'protected species' remark amid cultural clash

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has issued a public apology to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese following a sideline remark made during the teams’ 111-92 loss on Friday. The incident occurred in the final minutes of the match when Brondello was recorded by microphones stating, “Angel, she’s a protected species!” after teammate Nyara Sabally fouled Reese.

The comment sparked immediate backlash, with Reese interpreting the term as racially insensitive. The Atlanta Dream player quoted a social media post suggesting the language carried racial undertones, responding with the text “ARE WE SURPRISED?” and tagging Brondello with a clown emoji. Reese had recorded 23 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals in the defeat.

Brondello clarified that in Australian sports vernacular, particularly in rugby, the phrase typically describes players who receive preferential treatment or leniency from referees. However, she acknowledged that the cultural and linguistic disconnect resulted in significant hurt. The Tempo challenged the foul call on Sabally, arguing that Reese had committed a hostile act by elbowing Sabally in the ribs, before Sabally left the game during a timeout.

In her apology, posted on social media and reposted by the Tempo, Brondello stated she took full responsibility for the remark. “My frustration was with the officiating, but my words unfairly put the focus on you,” she wrote. She further acknowledged that her words carried an impact beyond her intent, specifically noting the sensitivity for Black women in the league.

As of Saturday afternoon, Reese had not directly responded to the apology. She did, however, repost a tweet from a WNBA reporter praising her for standing up for herself. The two teams are scheduled to face each other once more in the final regular-season matchup on 10 August 2026, which will stream nationally on Peacock.