Sandy Brondello apologises to Angel Reese after calling her a \u201cprotected species\u201d during WNBA game<\/p>\n
Opals and Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello<\/a> has publicly apologised to superstar Angel Reese<\/a> for using an Australian expression to describe how she is a \u201cprotected species\u201d by WNBA<\/a> referees during Toronto’s 111-92 loss to Atlanta on Saturday, July 18, 2026.<\/p>\n Brondello has since been suspended without pay.<\/p>\n “Toronto Tempo Head Coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended without pay for one game for an inappropriate comment she made regarding Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream during the Tempo\u2019s 111-92 loss to the Dream yesterday in Toronto,” the WNBA\u00a0said in a statement.<\/p>\n “Brondello will serve her suspension Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces.<\/p>\n “The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.”<\/p>\n Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit and Media Team have been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n The incident occurred with 3:16 remaining in the fourth quarter as Dream<\/a> star Angel Reese drove to the basket, colliding with Toronto Tempo<\/a> forward Nyara Sabally, who immediately fell to the floor clutching her midsection in obvious pain.<\/p>\n Brondello, 57, immediately protested to the officials, believing the contact warranted a stronger whistle.<\/p>\n “Angel, she’s a protected species,” Brondello said. <\/p>\n “Oh, come on. You can agree. It’s (expletive).”<\/p>\n In Australian sports vernacular, “protected species” is a slang term for a player who receives preferential treatment or lenient calls from referees. It\u2019s not an expression used in the United States.<\/p>\n Sabally remained on the court for several minutes while being attended to by teammates and medical staff. A stretcher was brought onto the floor as a precaution, but the Tempo forward was ultimately able to leave the court with assistance.<\/p>\n Officials reviewed the play to determine whether it warranted an upgrade to a hostile act but ruled the contact a common foul.<\/p>\n Reese, 24, responded \u201cARE WE SURPRISED\u201d to a post on X that declared: \u201cCalling a black woman a species\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Brondello said: \u201cAngel, 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u2014 Sandy Brondello (@SBrondello) July 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n