The WNBA handed Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello a one-game unpaid suspension Saturday following an ‘inappropriate comment’ aimed at Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.
ESPN reported that the incident stems from Friday’s Tempo-Dream matchup,, The broadcast mics captured Brondello protesting a foul on an injured Nyara Sabally by appearing to label Reese a ‘protected species’ to the referees.
Following the game, Reese posted to X (formerly Twitter) “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello” with a clown face emoji.
ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello 🤡 https://t.co/moNbYdDYo3
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) July 18, 2026
Native to Australia, where she has coached the national team since 2017, Brondello was using common Aussie sports slang. Multiple Australian sources told ESPN that ‘protected species’ is an idiom used to describe a player who seems immune to calls or gets preferential treatment from officials.
In an American context, however, language framing Black people as non-human carries a deep, derogatory historical weight.
BRONDELLO APOLOGIZED TO REESE
In a social media post, Brondello apologized to Reese, saying she takes “full responsibility” for her remarks.
“Angel, I’m sorry,” Brondello’s post read. “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, the WNBA said that Brondello will serve her suspension on Monday when Toronto hosts the Las Vegas Aces.
“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the statement read.
