WNBA suspends Toronto coach Sandy Brondello for one game after comment about Angel Reese

Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello was suspended for one game without pay after a comment directed at Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese during a game on Friday. With just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter of the Dream's 111-92 victory, Brondello was heard on the arena microphone saying, "Angel, she's a protected species," while disputing a foul call.

The WNBA classified the remark as an "inappropriate comment" and announced the disciplinary action. Brondello issued an apology on social media, acknowledging that her words were hurtful and that they had an impact beyond her intended meaning, particularly for Black women in the league.

"Angel, I'm sorry. ... 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," the coach wrote.

The phrase "protected species" is sometimes used in Australian sports slang to describe a player who receives favorable treatment from officials, but the comment was interpreted differently by Reese and many observers. Reese, who posted a response on social media, did not directly reply to the apology but highlighted the incident.

Brondello will sit out the Tempo's next game against the Las Vegas Aces on Monday. The two teams have met three times this season, with the Dream winning each matchup.