Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese hit the media ahead of Sunday’s game, giving her thoughts on the whole wild situation with Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello. Reese didn’t hold back, saying she appreciates Brondello’s apology but is also “grateful that the league did take action,” making it clear there is “no place for discrimination or hate in this league from anyone.” You love to hear that conviction.
“Protected Species” Goes Sideways
This whole mess started last Friday during the Dream’s 111-92 win over the Tempo. With just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Toronto’s Nyara Sabally fouled Reese after an offensive rebound. The Tempo challenged the call, arguing Reese had thrown an elbow into Sabally’s ribs. Sabally actually left the game during the timeout, and that’s when Brondello lost it. Microphones picked up the Tempo coach yelling at the refs, “Angel, she’s a protected species!” The WNBA called that an “inappropriate comment,” and honestly, yeah.
Brondello is Australian, and some fans online tried to explain that “protected species” in Aussie sports means a player gets preferential treatment from officials. Think rugby, right? But what a phrase means Down Under can absolutely hit different in other places. Clearly, Reese saw Brondello’s remark as way more hostile than some kind of obscure sports slang. The league clearly agreed, suspending Brondello for one game, which she serves on Monday.
Taking Responsibility and Moving Forward
After the game, Brondello dropped an apology on X to Reese for her comments, which the Tempo’s social media team even reposted. Brondello admitted what she *meant* was less important than how Reese *viewed* the term. She owned it in her apology, saying, “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.” She went deeper too, recognizing her words “carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league, and I’m deeply sorry for that.” That’s real talk, finally.
Reese, for her part, acknowledged the apology and the “overwhelming” love and support she’s gotten in the last 48 hours. She just wants to “move on from the situation and just play winning basketball.” Reese is playing lights out, averaging 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals through 24 games this season. With Brondello serving her suspension on Monday, hopefully, the WNBA can get back to being the positive league it’s meant to be.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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