Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello has been suspended for one game by the WNBA for an ‘inappropriate comment’ she made regarding Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese following the Tempo’s 111-92 loss on Friday.
Brondello will serve the suspension on Monday when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces,
Brondello apologized to Reese on social media on Saturday after using what could be interpreted as a derogatory phrase during their game against the Atlanta Dream on Friday.
“Angel, I’m sorry,” Brondello posted on social media. “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.”
During the Dream’s 111-92 win over the Tempo, the broadcast picked up Brondello addressing the officials after Nyara Sabally went down with an injury following contact between she and Reese. Sabally was called for the foul and Brondello could be heard referring to Reese with a phrase that sounded like “protected species.”
Reese posted afterward, “ARE WE SURPRISED?! @SBrondello” with a clown face emoji.
Brondello also posted, “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.”
