Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello reacts during second half WNBA basketball action against the Atlanta Dream in Toronto, on Sunday, June 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
By The Canadian Press
Jul 19, 2026 | 3:01 PM
ATLANTA (AP) — Angel Reese has accepted Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello’s apology for an inappropriate comment about the Atlanta Dream star.
The WNBA suspended Brondello one game for being overheard calling Reese a “protected species” during the Dream’s 111-92 win over the Tempo on Friday.
“First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours,” Reese said before the Dream played the Chicago Sky on Sunday. “It has been very overwhelming with a lot of love and also other things. But I am grateful that the league did take action.”
Brondello’s comment about Reese was picked up by the broadcast after Toronto player Nyara Sabally went down with an injury and was called for a foul following contact with Reese.