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The WNBA has suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello without pay for one game for using the term “protected species” while referring to Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.
During the Dream’s 111-92 win over Toronto on Friday, Toronto’s Nyara Sabally hit Reese after an offensive rebound.
As the call was being reviewed, Brondello yelled at the refs. Microphones picked her up and said, “Angel, she’s a protected species!”
ANGEL REESE HANGING DANGEROUS RACIST CONSPIRACY THEORY AFTER WNBA COACH CALLS HER TWO WORDS
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello looks on against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., on May 27, 2026. (Michael Reaves/Reuters)
The WNBA announced Saturday night that Brondello will now miss the Tempo’s next game against the Las Vegas Aces.
“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the league’s release said.
Brondello issued a written apology earlier Saturday.
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Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese celebrates a basket in the second half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on June 18, 2026. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)
“Angel, I’m sorry. Last night, in the emotion of the moment after Nyara’s injury, I used a phrase I shouldn’t have used and I take full responsibility for that. My frustration was with the law, but my words unfairly focused on you,” she wrote.
“I also understand that my words had an impact beyond what I intended, especially for black women in our league, and I am deeply sorry for that,” she continued. “I have spent my career competing with, coaching and learning from incredible black women.
“I regret that my words hurt a community I respect so deeply,” Brondello added. “I have great 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.”
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Toronto Tempo’s Brittney Sykes defends Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese during the first half of a WNBA game in Toronto on June 14, 2026. (Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press)
After last night’s game, Reese made a post on social media referencing Brondello’s comment. Reese shared a post that appeared to interpret the comment as racially charged.
Brondello is from Australia, where the term “protected species” has been used in Australian sporting circles to express frustration at a lack of call against a player.
