WNBA suspends Toronto Tempo coach Brondello over comments targeting Angel Reese
Sandy Brondello apologised for referring to Atlanta Dream star as a "protected species" as the league faces mounting pressure to address harassment of players.
The Women’s National Basketball Association has suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello for one game without pay following an incident during Friday’s match against the Atlanta Dream. The suspension, announced on Saturday, stems from comments captured by a live microphone in which Brondello referred to Dream player Angel Reese as "a protected species" while disputing a foul call.
The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter of the Dream’s 111-92 victory. Brondello was heard complaining to the officiating crew after Nyara Sabally was called for a foul on Reese. The league stated that all coaches and team personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect, noting that Brondello’s remarks breached these expectations.
Brondello issued a public apology on Saturday, acknowledging that her words unfairly targeted Reese and caused hurt to the Black community. She stated she took full responsibility for the phrase, attributing it to the emotion of the moment and frustration with the officiating, while recognising the impact her words carried beyond her intent.
The suspension is scheduled to take effect on Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces. Reese responded to the controversy on social media, posting the question "ARE WE SURPRISED?!" alongside a clown emoji, a reaction that drew immediate attention to the recurring nature of such incidents.
This event occurs against a backdrop of increased harassment directed at WNBA players, including death threats and racist messages received by several athletes. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is scheduled to meet with key members of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association on Tuesday to discuss the spike in abuse and the league’s response to it.
