Clara Hastings
The WNBA has responded decisively after Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello made controversial remarks about Angel Reese during a tense game, leading to significant backlash on social media. As a consequence for her comments, Brondello has received a one-game suspension without pay, highlighting the league’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and respect among its coaches and staff.
RELATED: Toronto Tempo Coach Issues Apology After Angel Reese Reacts To Her “Protected Species” Comment
Sandy Brondello Receives One-Game Suspension Following Controversial Statement
As reported by ESPN, Sandy Brondello will serve her suspension during the upcoming game on Monday against the Las Vegas Aces. The WNBA issued a statement affirming, “The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.”
This suspension follows Brondello’s apology to Angel Reese, which she made via social media on Saturday, July 18. The controversy arose after Brondello was overheard referring to Reese as a “protected species” during the Tempo’s match against the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 17. This remark came during a heated exchange with officials regarding a foul involving Reese and Toronto’s Nyara Sabally.
Angel Reese Acknowledges Brondello’s Apology
In the wake of the incident, Angel Reese has publicly accepted Sandy Brondello’s apology, expressing gratitude for the acknowledgment of the situation. Reese stated, “First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve received over the past 48 hours.”
Reese described the overwhelming response as “very overwhelming,” yet she expressed her appreciation for the WNBA’s actions, emphasizing that “There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone — from fans to coaches to players.” She expressed hope that everyone could move on, refocus on the game, and continue to advance the WNBA positively.
Public Reactions Split on the Controversial Exchange
<p Fans flocked to TSR’s Instagram comment section to voice their opinions on the matter. Some felt that Brondello’s comments were deliberate and indicative of her true feelings. In contrast, others believed that the remarks were taken out of context and should not have elicited such a strong reaction. This sparked a lively debate among fans on both sides of the issue.
One Instagram user, @browngirlz74, remarked, “If the roles were reversed, the outcome would be different.”
Another user, @thetruebigkev, commented, “I honestly don’t think that was racial…🤷🏾♂️”
Instagram user @chanrielle added, “She meant what she said.”
Meanwhile, user @emmanyra expressed disbelief, writing, “One game?????😮😮😮”
User @iknowwhereiwanttoeat shared, “And what’s one day going to teach her .. 😂”
Instagram user @shauni3boo stated, “I don’t feel it’s that deep. Angel Reese is unique, so wouldn’t she be a protected species?”
The Timeline of the Controversy Between Angel Reese and Sandy Brondello
During the game, Nyara Sabally was reportedly defending against Angel Reese as she made a drive to the basket, resulting in contact between the two players. Brondello appeared to call for a foul, stating, “Angel, she’s a protected species. Oh, come on. You can agree. It’s (expletive),” while addressing officials. After reviewing the play, officials determined it was a foul but did not classify it as a hostile act.
Following the public outcry, Brondello reached out to Reese to apologize, admitting she used a phrase she “shouldn’t have…” and clarified that her frustration was directed at the officiating rather than at Reese herself. She recognized that her words held significant weight, particularly for Black women in the league, and extended her apologies to Reese, her teammates, and the Atlanta Dream organization. Reese later took to X to address the issue, sharing a message that included, “Calling a Black woman a species…” and added, “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello 🤡” in response to the ongoing controversy.
RELATED: Internet Reactions to Angel Reese’s Latest Outfit (PHOTOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Tessa Everly
Mason Thompson
