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WNBA suspends Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello one game for Angel Reese remark

sportsJul 18, 202625415

The WNBA suspended Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello one game without pay on July 18 after she was heard referring to Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese as a "protected species" during the Tempo’s 111-92 loss to the Dream. The remark occurred with 3:16 remaining in the fourth quarter after Nyara Sabally was knocked to the floor on a play with Reese; officials reviewed the play and determined there was no hostile act, and Sabally was able to walk to the locker room with assistance. The league said coaches must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect and cited Brondello’s comment as inappropriate; Brondello will serve the suspension when the Tempo host the Las Vegas Aces on Monday. Brondello posted a lengthy apology on X, saying she used a phrase she should not have used, took responsibility, and apologized to Reese, her teammates, and the Dream organization. Reese responded on X with "ARE WE SURPRISED?!" and a clown face emoji after the comment circulated. The incident follows earlier contact between the teams: on June 14 Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison was ejected after a flagrant-2 foul on Reese. Brondello joined the Tempo this offseason after parting ways with the New York Liberty, where she went 107-53 as head coach from 2022 through 2025.

Dan Weiner
@danweiner.bsky.social

Sandy Brondello called Angel Reese a "protected species" which is not exactly a thing you should be calling any black person. Reese called her a clown on Twitter after the game.

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