WNBA coach suspended by league over insensitive Angel Reese comments
Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello started a social media firestorm on Friday night when a hot mic picked up her making some derogatory comments about Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese.
“Angel, she’s a protected species,” Brondello shouted, referencing the fact that Tempo center Nyara Sabally was called for a defensive foul on Reese despite the fact that Sabally hit the court and needed medical attention.
After the game, Brondello’s remarks were trending on social media, and what she said caught Reese’s attention.
“ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello 🤡,” Reese stated in response to a tweet referencing the incident that read: “Calling a Black woman a species…”
The WNBA took swift action against Broncello, announcing on Saturday that she will be suspended for one game without pay because of the remarks she made about Reese. The suspension will be served during Toronto’s game against the Las Vegas Aces on Monday.
“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the league said in a statement.
Brondello did issue an apology directly to Reese the next morning, admitting that her comments not come out the way that she intended.
“Angel, I’m sorry,” Brondello posted. “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.
“I 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.
“I 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.”
