The WNBA has taken action after Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello’s comments about Angel Reese during a heated matchup sparked backlash online. Brondello has been suspended for one game without pay following the remark, with the league emphasizing the importance of professionalism and respect among coaches and team personnel.
RELATED: Whew! Toronto Tempo Coach Apologizes After Angel Reese Reacts To Her Calling Her A “Protected Species”
Sandy Brondello Faces Suspension After Viral Remark
According to ESPN, Sandy Brondello will serve her suspension on Monday when the Toronto Tempo face the Las Vegas Aces. The WNBA released a statement saying, “The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league.”
The suspension comes after Brondello took to social media on Saturday, July 18, to apologize to Angel Reese after she was heard referring to her as a “protected species” during the Tempo’s game against the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 17. The comment came as Brondello argued with officials over a play involving Reese and Toronto’s Nyara Sabally.
Angel Reese Responds To Brondello’s Apology
Angel Reese has since acknowledged Sandy Brondello’s apology following the controversial comment that resulted in the Toronto Tempo coach’s one-game suspension. Reese thanked Brondello for addressing the situation while also showing appreciation for the support she received, saying, “First, I appreciate Sandy’s apology, but I also appreciate the love and support that I’ve had for the last 48 hours.”
Reese added that the response was “very overwhelming” but said she was grateful the WNBA took action, emphasizing, “There is no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone — from fans to coaches to players.” She shared that she hopes everyone can now move forward, refocus on basketball, and continue pushing the WNBA in a positive direction.
Fans Are Split Over The Viral Exchange
Folks quickly made their way to TSR’s Instagram comment section to share their thoughts on the situation. Some commenters felt Brondello’s words were intentional and believed she meant what she said, while others argued the moment was taken out of context and shouldn’t have received the level of backlash it did. Meanwhile, the debate continued as fans weighed in on both sides of the controversy.
One Instagram user @browngirlz74 said, “If the roles were reversed the outcome would be different.”
This Instagram user @thetruebigkev commented, “I honestly don’t think that was racial…🤷🏾♂️”
And, Instagram user @chanrielle added, “She meant what she said”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @emmanyra claimed, “One game?????😮😮😮”
While Instagram user @iknowwhereiwanttoeat shared, “And what’s a day gone teach her .. 😂”
Lastly, Instagram user @shauni3boo wrote, “Idk I don’t feel it’s not that deep. Angel Reese is a rarity so wouldn’t she be a protected species.”
How The Controversy Between Reese And Brondello Unfolded
During the game, Sabally was reportedly defending Reese as she drove toward the basket and made contact with her. Brondello appeared to call for a foul and was heard saying, “Angel, she’s a protected species. Oh, come on. You can agree. It’s (expletive),” while speaking to officials. The play was reviewed and ruled a foul, though officials reportedly declined to upgrade it to a hostile act.
After the reaction online, Brondello apologized directly to Reese, saying she used a phrase she “shouldn’t have…” and that her frustration was directed toward officiating, not Reese. She also acknowledged that her words carried an impact beyond the moment, particularly for Black women in the league. She also apologized to Reese, her teammates, and the Atlanta Dream organization. Reese later addressed the situation on X, reposting a message that read, “Calling a Black woman a species…” before adding, “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello 🤡” in response to the controversy.
